A new environmental analysis released by the Biden administration shows two possibilities for cutting use of Colorado River water by seven states and several Native tribes.
One option favors California and some tribes because of “high priority rights” to the water. The second advocates a more even distribution of cuts among the various parties by mandating cuts on a proportional basis when water levels in target reservoirs reach specific low points. Arizona and Nevada would fare better under the second plan.
The analysis looks at how the government can cope with water shortages at Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2026. Announcements for the coming year’s water cuts are usually made in August.
Heavy snow and rainstorms over the winter mean this year may not be as severe in terms of water level decreases as past years have been, but one heavy season will not reverse the effects of a multiyear drought.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation tasked the states with coming up with a plan last year to reduce their water use by between 15% and 30%. Six of the seven states produced a joint plan in January. California did not accept the plan and released its own.
The states, tribes and other users have until May 30 to comment on the analysis. A third “no action” option also exists.
The primary difference between the two options is the first assigns cuts on priority based on seniority of water rights, which protects California and some tribes. The second cuts supplies proportionately if Lake Mead water levels fall below specific trigger points.
The Department of the Interior has not advocated one plan over the other. (Source)