U.S. federal authorities have announced significant water use reductions for three Western states dependent on the Colorado River. On Friday, the Bureau of Reclamation presented a plan for the next two years.
California, Nevada, and Arizona must collectively reduce water withdrawals by 1,25 million acre-feet annually in 2027 and 2028. This is approximately 1,54 billion cubic meters.
The largest reductions will affect Arizona. California and Nevada will also incur losses, but on a smaller scale. Upstream states—Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico—will not face mandatory restrictions for now.
Mexico, under a treaty with the U.S., will reduce its intake by 250 thousand acre-feet. The decision is based on a voluntary agreement reached by the Lower Basin states in May.
Levels in the largest reservoirs—Lakes Powell and Mead—have reached their lowest in nearly seven decades. The Colorado River is experiencing a 26-year drought, and the situation could worsen.
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science Andrea Travnicek noted: “We are in this 26-year period of prolonged drought. We continue to see prolonged drought in the future. Therefore, it is critical to continue working together as a single unit in the basin.”
Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke thanked California and Nevada for their cooperation. According to him, the reductions for 2027–2028 will provide substantial stability for residents.
The plan provides for the possibility of deeper cuts depending on conditions. How long can a balance be maintained in a changing climate?
The decision is intended to allow time for further negotiations between the states and to avoid more serious crises in the coming years.
