Three Colorado River states agree to massive water cuts

California, Nevada and Arizona will collectively receive 1.25 million acre-feet less water over the next two years.(CN) — The federal Interior Department on Friday issued its final plan for Colorado River operations over the next two years, operational guidelines that call for severe cuts to California, Nevada and Arizona.Those three states, called lower-basin states, have a proposed sharing agreement calling for voluntary reductions. California will see 440,000 acre-feet less water each year. Arizona will receive 760,000 acre-feet less and Nevada 50,000 acre-feet.That’s a total of 1.25 million acre-feet less each year over the next two years.“California, Arizona, and Nevada have stepped up,” said JB Hamby, basin state commissioner for California, in a statement. “That is an extraordinary commitment, and it shows how seriously the lower basin is taking the condition of the river.”Additionally, the lower-basin states will store at least 700,000 acre-feet of water over 2027-28, as well as comply with the water reductions.However, Hamby characterized the lower-basin states’ reductions as a bridge, not a permanent solution. The lower-basin states can’t shoulder the responsibility that all seven Colorado River basin states should bear.The guidelines also provide criteria to determine releases from Lake Powell, at Utah’s border with Arizona. The releases must rely on actual hydrology and keep a minimum elevation of 3,510 feet, which is needed for operational reliability at Glen Canyon Dam.“I’m glad the federal government has chosen to implement the lower basin’s water allocation plan,” Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs posted on X, adding: “Together, we’ve proven that the lower basin will work in meaningful ways to protect the Colorado River system we all rely on.”Operations on the Colorado River have led to rising tensions between the states, as officials had to forge a new operating agreement by Oct. 1. Federal authorities had hoped the seven basin states could reach an agreement. That didn’t happen, and the Interior Department stepped in.A major reason for the tumult between states is that a changing climate has significantly affected how much water is in the Colorado River. The Interior Department noted that current water levels for Lake Powell and Lake Mead haven’t been this low since 1963. Both reservoirs hit record lows over the past several weeks.The operating guidelines issued Friday create a decade-long framework that officials will use to create future guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.Friday’s guidelines, and a final environmental impact statement for the river’s operations, form a foundation from which officials will decide questions of water supply and the protection of federal infrastructure while ensuring the states have freedom to reach consensus among themselves.“We are grateful for the seven basin states, the thirty basin tribes, Mexico, and many other basin stakeholders who have provided the feedback and voluntary arrangements necessary for the development of the 2027-2028 operating guidelines.” Interior Department Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement. “Forty million people, millions of acres of farmland and ranchland, industries that power the American West, and some of our nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas depend on the Colorado River.”Officials designed the operating guidelines for two years. That gives states, tribes and stakeholders room to tweak parameters through voluntary actions and consensus between themselves.“The Department and Reclamation will continue to work with all basin stakeholders to identify areas to maximize efforts throughout the basin to modernize infrastructure, develop conservation programs, and identify innovative approaches to deliver water under changing conditions,” Assistant Interior Secretary Andrea Travnicek said in a statement.The Colorado River is the water source for over 40 million people. It also generates power for seven states, sustains 5.5 million acres of farmland and agricultural communities and provides essential ecosystems.“The reality is simple: there is less water in the Colorado River, and the reductions ahead may be greater than anything we have faced before,” Hamby said, adding: “The lower basin has shown what meaningful action looks like. Now we need the entire basin to do the same.”Subscribe to our free newslettersOur weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.Additional Reads