Feds order steep Colorado River water cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada
Summary
The U.S. government has ordered big cuts to water use from the Colorado River for Arizona, California, and Nevada because of drought and low water levels. These cuts will start in 2027 and last for two years, reducing water delivery by 1.25 million acre-feet each year.Key Facts
- The Colorado River supplies water to more than 35 million people across seven U.S. states and Mexico.
- The federal government planned larger cuts but settled on reducing supplies by 1.25 million acre-feet per year for two years.
- Arizona will reduce its water use by 760,000 acre-feet, California by 440,000, and Nevada by 50,000, based on a voluntary agreement.
- The government encourages the states to save an additional 700,000 acre-feet over two years.
- Cuts were necessary because Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two biggest reservoirs, are at record-low water levels due to drought and climate change.
- The Department of the Interior may require further cuts depending on water conditions in the next 10 years.
- No cuts were ordered for the Upper Basin states like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
- The government wants to keep Lake Powell above a level where the dam can generate electricity.
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