The administration announced a federal plan to cut Colorado River water for Lower Basin states, potentially slashing Arizona's supply by 75%.
The administration announced a federal plan on Friday that could reduce the Lower Basin's water allocation by 3 million acre-feet annually through 2036. This proposal, released by the US Bureau of Reclamation, would mandate cuts for Arizona, California, and Nevada, while sparing the Upper Basin states from mandatory reductions for now. Arizona leaders, including Governor Katie Hobbs, have criticized the plan, arguing that it places a disproportionianl burden on the Lower Basin states. The Arizona Department of Water Resources stated that such cuts would devastize the state's economy and water users. While the Upper Basin states have expressed a favorable initial assessment of the guidelines, they have resisted mandatory cuts, arguing they have already faced regular shortages. The plan comes as Lake Powell and Lake Mead reach historic lows, with the combined water levels at their lowest since 1957. Without a major turnaround, Lake Powell could reach its minimum power pool by 2027, threatening its ability to generate hydropower. The administration's preferred alternative plan aims to stabilize the river system amid a 25-year megadrought.