Feds Say Arizona, California and Nevada Must Cut Colorado River Water Use by 1.25 Million Acre-Feet

Interior’s Post-2026 Colorado River Operating Framework Draws Immediate Legal Challenge

On Aug. 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) adopted a new decision framework for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2036 and simultaneously issued operating guidelines for 2027 and 2028 (Operating Guidelines). The actions are intended to replace the 2007 Interim Guidelines and other Colorado River water management agreements that expire at the end of 2026.Continue reading the full GT Alert.

Federal officials announce water cuts as Colorado River supplies continue to plunge

Federal officials announced sharp water cuts for the next two years on Friday for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River.

Feds say Arizona, California and Nevada must cut Colorado River water use by 1.25 million acre-feet

Feds say Arizona, California and Nevada must cut Colorado River water use by 1.25 million acre-feet Zachary Whalen Tue, 08/25/2026 - 08:00 Primary Image Primary Image Caption A dried up section of Lake Powell, which has hit record-low water levels. Amid an ongoing drought and record-low water levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the Colorado River’s largest reservoirs, the Bureau of Reclamation released its two-year operating plan on Aug. 21, …

Feds finalize Colorado River plan; Rose Law Group Water Law Department Chairman Riley Snow comments in AZ Cap Times

“I felt like litigation was more likely until this Lower Basin states agreement got proposed, and I feel like it’s cooled the temperature quite a bit on the litigation front,” said Riley Snow, the head of Rose Law Group’s water law department. By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times The federal government will adopt Arizona’s preferred plan for Colorado River reductions over the next two years, but more drastic cuts could still be on the horizo…