Colorado River Water Cuts

Federal officials propose steep cuts to Arizona, California and Nevada water use.

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US proposes cuts to Colorado River use for Arizona, California and Nevada

Federal plan calls for major water cuts in Arizona, California, Nevada - UPI.com

Western states face more water cutbacks as Colorado River shrinks

Summary

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The Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation proposed a Colorado River management framework that would require Arizona, California and Nevada to reduce withdrawals by as much as 3 million acre-feet a year in the driest conditions. The plan is meant to replace operating rules that expire in 2026, with lower-basin cuts reaching roughly 16% to 20% through 2028. Upper Basin states could contribute up to 200,000 acre-feet through voluntary conservation. The proposal responds to reservoirs that have fallen to levels not seen since 1957.

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