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US proposes deep Colorado River water cuts for Arizona, California, Nevada

US proposes deep Colorado River water cuts for Arizona, California, Nevada

By Andrew Hay July 31 (Reuters) - The U.S. government proposed deep cuts to water supply for Arizona, California and Nevada during dry years in a new plan it released on Friday to operate the drought-stricken Colorado River.

Palm Springs Desert Sun

Colorado River plan sets stage for future California water cuts

Colorado River plan sets stage for future California water cuts

The plan reflects a shrinking Colorado River and could alter California's water supply during future droughts.

Federal Plan to Cut Colorado River Water Supply for Arizona, California, and Nevada

Federal Plan to Cut Colorado River Water Supply for Arizona, California, and Nevada

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has introduced a 10-year plan to significantly reduce water allocations from the Colorado River to Arizona, California, and Nevada. This plan, effective through 2036, is a response to severe drought conditions and chronic overuse of the river, which is crucial for water supply, agriculture, and power generation in the region. The proposal outlines potential water shortages of up to 3 million acre-feet annually for the Lower Basin states, nearly doubling the reductions previously suggested by these states. The plan aims to provide operational flexibility for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the river's two largest reservoirs, which are at risk of dropping to levels that could halt hydroelectric power production.

Federal Government Proposes Water Cuts in Response to Colorado River Crisis

Federal Government Proposes Water Cuts in Response to Colorado River Crisis

The U.S. government has unveiled a plan to manage the Colorado River crisis, proposing significant water cuts for California, Arizona, and Nevada. The plan aims to address the over-allocation of water rights and the declining levels of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the river's two largest reservoirs. The proposal spares the upper basin states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming from immediate cuts. The plan is part of a 10-year framework that allows for adjustments based on changing conditions, with decisions made every two years. The federal government is expected to release a detailed record of decision soon.

Arizona Republic

Arizona would lose the most in proposed Colorado River drought plan

Arizona would lose the most in proposed Colorado River drought plan

The Bureau of Reclamation released its long-awaited Colorado River drought plan, targeting Lower Basin states for cuts.

Feds release long-awaited plan to fight Colorado River water crisis

Feds release long-awaited plan to fight Colorado River water crisis

The Bureau of Reclamation released its long-awaited Colorado River drought plan, targeting Lower Basin states for cuts.

Federal Proposal Imposes Water Cuts on Arizona, California, and Nevada to Manage Colorado River

Federal Proposal Imposes Water Cuts on Arizona, California, and Nevada to Manage Colorado River

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has announced a proposal that requires Arizona, California, and Nevada to reduce their water usage from the Colorado River. This measure aims to address the ongoing crisis affecting the river, which is a crucial water source for the Western United States. The proposal spares the Upper Basin states from immediate cuts but emphasizes the need for a long-term management plan. The plan includes potential collective cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet through 2036, depending on hydrological conditions, and allows for variable annual releases from Lake Powell.

Arizona, California and Nevada would share cuts under federal proposal to manage the Colorado River

Arizona, California and Nevada would share cuts under federal proposal to manage the Colorado River

Arizona, California, and Nevada would take less water from the Colorado River under a federal proposal to stave off a crisis in the river

Federal Plan Introduces Temporary Colorado River Management Rules

Federal Plan Introduces Temporary Colorado River Management Rules

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released a new plan to manage the Colorado River, addressing the ongoing drought and water allocation issues among the seven states that rely on the river. The plan spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming from immediate cuts, while Arizona, California, and Nevada face reductions. This temporary measure aims to provide flexibility and predictability, with water management decisions to be revisited every two years. The plan includes potential cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet for the Lower Basin states through 2036, impacting water supply for millions of people.

Federal Government Proposes Significant Water Use Cuts for Colorado River States

Federal Government Proposes Significant Water Use Cuts for Colorado River States

The federal government has proposed substantial cuts to water usage for California, Arizona, and Nevada, aiming to address the management of the Colorado River amid decreasing water levels. The proposal suggests reducing water use by up to 3 million acre-feet per year, significantly more than the 1.6 million acre-feet proposed by the states themselves. Arizona's Department of Water Resources has expressed concern, stating that such cuts would severely impact the state's water users and economy. The proposal is part of a broader effort to manage the river's resources as the West faces increasing drought conditions.

Federal Government Releases Plan for Colorado River Management Amid State Tensions

Federal Government Releases Plan for Colorado River Management Amid State Tensions

The federal government has released a final environmental impact statement detailing its plan to manage the Colorado River's key reservoirs, including Lakes Mead and Powell, for the next decade. This plan involves significant water cuts for downstream states such as Arizona, California, and Nevada, and sets a conservation target of up to 200,000 acre-feet for the Upper Basin states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah. The report is part of a broader federal environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act, which has been ongoing for three years. The plan aims to address the severe drought conditions affecting the river, which supplies water to millions of people across seven states and 30 tribes. The federal government is also negotiating separate international agreements with Mexico regarding water deliveries.

Lakes Powell and Mead Reach Record Low Levels Amid Colorado River Crisis

Lakes Powell and Mead Reach Record Low Levels Amid Colorado River Crisis

Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest reservoirs in the United States, have reached their lowest combined level on record, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Colorado River water supply crisis. As of July 12, the combined live storage in these reservoirs dropped to 12,675,509 acre-feet, breaking the previous record low set in March 2023. This decline is attributed to accelerated storage losses throughout 2026, with daily depletion rates reaching up to 16,661 acre-feet. The Colorado River is a crucial water source for millions of people and vast agricultural economies across several U.S. states and Mexico. The current situation has raised concerns about the river's ability to continue supporting water deliveries and hydropower generation.