Federal Plan Proposes Significant Water Cuts for Colorado River States
The Bureau of Reclamation has released a new management plan for the Colorado River, proposing significant water cuts for states in the river's Lower Basin, including Arizona, California, and Nevada. The plan suggests reducing water allocations by up to 1.5 million acre-feet in 2027 and 2028, with potential cuts reaching 3 million acre-feet beyond 2028. Arizona, in particular, would face substantial reductions, which the state's Department of Water Resources has deemed 'unacceptable' due to the potential economic impact. The plan also calls for voluntary reductions from Upper Basin states and aims to address the river's inability to meet current water demands.