Arizona, California and Nevada would share cuts under federal proposal for Colorado River
Summary
The federal government proposed that Arizona, California, and Nevada reduce their water use from the Colorado River to address a severe water shortage. The plan would require up to 3 million acre-feet less water annually through 2036, with actual cuts decided every two years based on water conditions.Key Facts
- Arizona, California, and Nevada would share mandatory water cuts from the Colorado River.
- The cuts could total up to 3 million acre-feet per year, enough water for over 25 million people.
- The proposal allows deeper cuts in drier years and aims to give states more time to manage water collectively.
- Four other Colorado River states are not facing mandatory cuts under this plan.
- California generally gets priority water rights compared to Arizona and Nevada, affecting how cuts are divided.
- The plan could impact agriculture, cities, tribes, and increase groundwater use and water prices.
- The Colorado River supplies water to over 40 million people across seven states, tribal nations, and Mexico.
- Reservoirs Lake Mead and Lake Powell are at record low levels, threatening water supply and hydropower production.
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