Thursday Top of the Scroll: States in Colorado River basin pitch new ways to absorb shortages but clash on the approach
The seven U.S. states that draw water from the Colorado River basin are suggesting new ways to determine how the increasingly scarce resource is divvied up when the river can’t provide what it historically promised. The Upper Basin and the Lower Basin states, as neighbors, don’t agree on the approach. Under a proposal released Wednesday by Arizona, California and Nevada, the water level at Lake Mead — one of the two largest of the Colorado River reservoirs — no longer would determine the extent of water cuts like it currently does. The three Lower Basin states also want what they say is a more equitable way of distributing cuts that would be a 50-50 split between the basins once a threshold is hit.
Related articles:
- Grist: States and tribes scramble to reach Colorado River deals before election
- State of California Colorado River Board: Arizona, California, Nevada propose new approach for post-2026 Colorado River operations
- CalMatters: California agrees to long-term cuts of Colorado River water
- Washington Post: Talks to save the Colorado River just hit a logjam
- Western Resources Advocates: States fail to submit a proposal that adequately protects the Colorado River
- Arizona Daily Star: States are far apart on new Colorado River water-saving plans sent to U.S. agency
- The Hill: Lower Colorado River Basin states submit competing water conservation plan as deadline looms