Water Source More Shallow Now for Cities along Missouri River.

Byline: Josh Flory

Aug. 18--In towns that draw their water from the Missouri River, officials are keeping a close eye on falling water levels, but not hitting the crisis button.

Facing an order from a federal judge, the Army Corps of Engineers began lowering water levels on the river this month as part of an effort to protect three endangered species.

The move is the latest twist in a controversial battle over management of the river, with upstream and downstream states arguing the merits of various changes to the river's flow pattern.

The debate has centered on topics ranging from endangered species to the risk of flooding, from the …