The federal government has released a long-awaited proposal for managing declining supplies in the Colorado River, raising the prospect of steep water reductions in the river’s Lower Basin. The plan is framed as a long-term approach, with other coverage describing it as a 10-year strategy for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Arizona would be affected under the proposal, which could require reductions for the three Lower Basin states that rely on the river. The plan reflects continuing concern over dwindling water levels and the difficulty of balancing demand among states, cities, farms and other users.
The proposal does not necessarily represent the final outcome. Federal officials and the states are expected to consider competing interests as they work toward new operating rules for the river and its major reservoirs. If negotiations fail to produce sufficient reductions, deeper cuts could still be possible.
Related Coverage
- Colorado River water cuts: Arizona impacted under new proposal
- Feds release long-awaited new plan for Lake Powell, Lake Mead
- Trump administration releases long-awaited 10-year plan for dwindling Colorado River
- A new Colorado River plan requires water cuts for three states. Deeper cuts are still possible.