New Water Plan Could Slash Colorado River Supply by 40%

The U.S. government has proposed a new water-sharing plan for the Colorado River that may cut up to 40% of water supplies for Arizona, California, and Nevada. The plan aims to combat severe water shortages and includes strategies for maintaining water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

The U.S. government has unveiled a bold proposal to address the water crisis in the Colorado River, with plans to reduce water access for Arizona, California, and Nevada by up to 40%. This move, designed to counteract the ongoing drought, would see water usage cut by 3 million acre-feet annually.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's 10-year plan aims to maintain water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, reservoirs critical to the region's water supply. These proposed cuts significantly exceed an earlier offer from the states to reduce their usage by 1.6 million acre-feet per year.

Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the potential impacts on Arizona's water systems. The plan is based on the 1922 Colorado River Compact, prioritizing California's water use over other states.