The US has a plan to save the Colorado River. Experts say it won’t be enough to stop the crisis
Summary
The US government has released a new 10-year plan to manage water from the Colorado River, aiming to reduce water use by the states that depend on it. California, Arizona, and Nevada may face cuts of up to 40% of their water supply each year, but experts say the plan may not fully solve the ongoing water crisis in the western US.Key Facts
- The US Bureau of Reclamation published a proposed plan for the Colorado River’s future water use.
- The plan covers 10 years but sets review points every two years for adjustments.
- California, Arizona, and Nevada could lose up to 3 million acre-feet of water annually, about 40% of their supply.
- One acre-foot equals roughly 326,000 gallons, enough water for about three families per year.
- The plan mandates a 1.25 million acre-foot cut in water use for lower-basin states in 2027 and 2028, with possible further cuts later.
- Upper-basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming) have resisted mandatory water cuts, while lower-basin states have agreed to some cuts but want upper states to share the reductions.
- The Colorado River supplies water to 40 million people, multiple states, and supports agriculture and hydroelectric power.
- The river’s water supply is strained due to an outdated 1922 agreement and the worsening effects of climate change, causing a long-term water shortage.
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