Colorado River States Miss Second Deadline Amid Dire Water Crisis
The seven Western states that rely on the Colorado River have missed a critical deadline for the second time, failing to reach consensus on a plan to address record drought and severe water shortages. The deadline passed on Saturday, 14 February 2026, highlighting the escalating tensions and challenges in managing this vital water source.
Governors Call for Shared Responsibility
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo issued a joint statement urging Upper Basin states—Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—to offer more concessions. "The Colorado River is essential to our communities and economies, and our states have conserved large volumes of water in recent years to stabilize the basin’s water supplies for years to come," the governors said. "Our stance remains firm and fair: all seven basin states must share in the responsibility of conservation."
According to the statement, Arizona, California, and Nevada have proposed significant reductions in their Colorado River allocations: 27%, 10%, and 17%, respectively. This move underscores their commitment to addressing the crisis, but it has not been enough to bridge the divide with Upper Basin states.
Warnings of Dire Consequences
Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper, who played a key role in negotiating a river contingency plan in 2019 as governor, described the situation in the Colorado Basin as "dire." He pointed to the state's alarmingly low snowpack as a critical concern. "If we don’t address this problem together – head-on and fast – our communities, farms, and economies will suffer. The best path forward is the one we take together. Litigation won’t solve the problem of this long-term aridification," Hickenlooper emphasized in a statement.
John Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, echoed this frustration, noting the lack of progress. "The actions we have taken over the past two-plus decades are less about raising Lake Mead’s elevation than they are about protecting ourselves if things go from bad to worse," he said, highlighting the defensive measures states have adopted in anticipation of worsening conditions.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
This is not the first time the states have missed a deadline. They previously let a November deadline set by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation pass without agreement. The current guidelines for water allocation are set to expire this year, adding urgency to the negotiations, which have been ongoing for over two years.
The Colorado River is a lifeline for over 40 million people across these states, as well as for Mexico and Native American tribes. It supports:
- Farming in agriculture-heavy regions
- Water and electricity for millions of homes and businesses
- Major cities including Denver, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles
However, chronic overuse, prolonged drought, and rising temperatures linked to climate change have significantly reduced water flows. The original 1922 Colorado River Compact was based on water amounts that no longer exist, complicating modern allocations, especially during dry spells.
Scientific Data Highlights Severity
Recent scientific findings underscore the gravity of the situation. Snow cover and snow depth in the West are at their lowest levels in decades, with some areas experiencing their warmest period from December through early February. Normally, snow cover at this time of year spans approximately 460,000 square miles—equivalent to the combined size of California, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. This year, however, it has shrunk to only about 155,000 square miles, roughly the size of California, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
Potential Federal Intervention
If the states cannot reach a consensus, the federal government may step in to devise a plan. Such intervention could leave all parties dissatisfied and potentially lead to litigation, further complicating the crisis. The stakes are high, as the river's management affects not only water supply but also regional economies and ecosystems.
The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader struggle to balance conservation efforts with the needs of diverse stakeholders in an era of climate uncertainty. As the deadline passes without agreement, the urgency for a collaborative solution grows, with the future of millions hanging in the balance.
