Three western U.S. states have announced a new two-year deal to stabilize the Colorado River, following the driest winter on record. Arizona, California, and Nevada revealed a plan to save up to 1 million acre-feet (44 billion cubic feet) of Colorado River water through 2028. This adds to previously announced cuts by the three states and Mexico, bringing total proposed savings to 3.2 million acre-feet (139 billion cubic feet), enough water to serve more than 25 million people annually.
Crisis Situation
Tom Buschatzke, Arizona’s lead negotiator, described the situation as a crisis created by the past winter. He emphasized the need for a short-term fix, and the plan aims to address that. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has already announced it will release more water earlier than usual into Lake Powell, one of the two largest reservoirs on the river, to maintain hydropower generation. The plan requires approval from federal officials and state lawmakers, but the states call it ambitious and far-reaching, with benefits for the entire river basin.
River's Importance
The Colorado River supports 40 million people across seven U.S. states, two Mexican states, and Native American tribes. Farmers rely on it to irrigate millions of acres, and 155 utilities depend on it for hydropower. Some water-sharing rules expire this year, but negotiations among states have largely stalled, with no substantive talks in four months. Upper Basin states (Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico) have suggested a mediator is needed. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Reclamation is preparing a contingency plan in case consensus is not reached.
Proposed Cuts
Under the Lower Basin proposal, Nevada and Arizona would reduce their annual water entitlement from Lake Mead by about one-third. California, holding the largest and most senior water rights, would cut usage by about 13%. The distribution of these cuts among users is yet to be finalized, with a deadline of August. The Central Arizona Project, which delivers water to 6 million people via a 336-mile canal system, will be affected, along with farmers, cities, tribes, and industry. Most river water goes to agriculture, notably the Imperial Irrigation District, a major winter vegetable producer. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, serving 19 million people, gets about 20% of its supply from the river. Reducing reliance will help avoid worse scenarios, but risks remain, including higher water bills for residents and businesses.
Why Now?
Chronic overuse, drought, and rising temperatures from climate change have reduced river flow compared to allocations made over a century ago. Key reservoirs Lake Powell and Lake Mead are declining; if levels fall too low, hydropower production stops and water delivery halts. The Bureau of Reclamation plans to release up to one-third of Flaming Gorge reservoir water to protect Lake Powell, whose hydropower serves over 350,000 homes.
Next Steps
Reclamation officials are reviewing the Lower Basin proposal but seek a broader agreement. Colorado's lead negotiator, Becky Mitchell, called the plan a good first step but insufficient for Lake Powell protection. Upper Basin states want a commitment to avoid litigation, which is unlikely. The seven states continue to wrangle over water reductions during a drought lasting over two decades. Recently, Upper Basin states agreed to send nearly one-third of their annual water use to Flaming Gorge. Water users with senior rights are also cutting usage early, with some receiving only 14% or less of annual allocations.
