Negotiators in the Lower Basin States recently released a written statement saying they have agreed to a tentative Colorado River water allocation plan that will result in water cuts for their area.
The Lower Basin States consist of California, Arizona and Nevada. A written statement released by representatives said the plan is intended to “stabilize the Colorado River through 2028.”
The cuts the three states are offering are more substantial than they had previously offered. The new proposal builds off their previous efforts and will result in an additional 3.2 million acre-feet of water cutbacks through 2028.
The Lower Basin States have sent the proposal to the Trump administration. The states have yet to announce how water cuts will impact individual cities.
The short-term plan comes as the seven states served by the declining river are discussing a long-term plan for water allocations. The Colorado serves as the primary water source for roughly 35 million people and 5 million acres of farmland.
Water was initially allocated throughout the states under the 1922 Colorado River Compact. The amount of available water from the river has quickly decreased since 2000 due to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts.
For example, Rocky Mountain snowfall this past year was only 22% of the average, which is the smallest amount recorded. That snowfall is crucial in keeping the river healthy. (Source)