Water Wars: Western States Fail to Reach Colorado River Agreement

Seven U.S. states missed the federal deadline to finalize a water-sharing agreement for the Colorado River, risking federal intervention ahead of a pivotal expiration. The ongoing negotiations involve critical water allocation disputes between Upper and Lower Basin states, impacting millions of people and key economies amid the challenges posed by climate change.

On Friday, seven Western U.S. states missed the federal government's deadline to submit a comprehensive water-sharing plan for the Colorado River, heightening the likelihood of federal intervention. This plan is vital, as it supplies drinking water to 40 million people, supports agriculture, and fuels the economies of major cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

The current agreement is set to expire at the end of this year, prompting negotiations between the Lower Basin states—California, Arizona, and Nevada—and the Upper Basin states—Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Each group seeks advantageous terms, with the river affected by factors such as rapid growth, drought, and climate change.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, overseeing these negotiations, initially set a November deadline for framework proposals, followed by a February 14 deadline for detailed plans; both passed without consensus. Disparities in proposed water reductions continue to challenge the negotiating parties, which need to outline long-term measures before 2026 to avert federal intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)