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Arizona threatens to sue the administration over mandatory Colorado River water cutbacks

Arizona officials are preparing to take legal action against the administration following the announcement of significant water reductions for the Colorado River. The Department of the Interior announced it would reduce the delivery of 1.25 million acre-feet of water annually for the next two years, starting in 2027, to the Lower Basin states of California, Nevada, and Arizona. While the federal government is mandating these cuts, the specific distribution among the three states was determined by a voluntary agreement. Arizona officials argue that the federal government's plan is based on faulty legal reasoning and a misunderstanding of the state's water rights. The state faces a potential loss of one-third of its river water over the next two years, which could lead to a complete shutoff if drought conditions worsen. Local leaders, such as Phoenix Mayor Robert Morris, warned that residents should brace for higher water bills and stricter conservation rules. The administration's plan aims to protect the system and keep Lake Powell at a functional level for hydropower generation.

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