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California, Nevada and Arizona announce temporary plan to save water from the Colorado River
The proposal would cut Arizona and Nevada deliveries by about one-third and California’s by 13% to help stabilize reservoirs.
Arizona, California, and Nevada announced a plan this month to save up to 1 million acre-feet of Colorado River water through 2028, aiming to stabilize reservoirs amid prolonged drought.
Chronic overuse and rising temperatures linked to climate change mean less water exists than when states divided the river more than 100 years ago. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, key reservoirs, are in critical decline.
Under the proposal, Nevada and Arizona would take about one-third less water annually from Lake Mead, while California would shrink its use by about 13%, with implementation details due by August.
The Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing the proposal and emphasizing the need for a broader agreement. The plan requires approval from federal officials and state lawmakers before implementation.
Upper Basin states including Colorado have requested a mediator as water-sharing rules expire this year and negotiations have stalled for four months. Seven states remain divided over who should reduce usage most.