How Federal Water Plan Affects Your State, Lake Mead, Powell
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior has finalized new rules to reduce water use from the Colorado River by three Western states due to ongoing drought. Arizona, California, and Nevada will cut water use by a total of 1.25 million acre-feet annually in 2027 and 2028 to protect key reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell.Key Facts
- Arizona will reduce its Colorado River water use by 760,000 acre-feet per year, about 27% of its usual share.
- California will reduce by 440,000 acre-feet per year, about 10% of its allocation.
- Nevada will reduce by 50,000 acre-feet per year, about 17% of its share.
- These cuts apply in 2027 and 2028 and total 1.25 million acre-feet annually across the three states.
- The Department of the Interior also seeks 700,000 acre-feet of voluntary conservation and storage across these states during the same period.
- Four other states in the Upper Basin—Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming—will not have mandatory cuts but are asked to cooperate in managing water storage to protect Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam.
- Lake Powell and Lake Mead, two major reservoirs on the Colorado River, are at critically low levels due to extended drought and heavy water demand.
- Glen Canyon Dam generates hydroelectric power for six Western states and must be protected to maintain electricity supply and water deliveries.
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