The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has proposed a new 10-year framework that would require Arizona, California and Nevada to reduce their use of Colorado River water in an effort to stabilize the drought-stricken river system.
According to the proposal, the Lower Basin states could face annual reductions of up to 3 million acre-feet through 2036, depending on hydrological conditions.
The plan also provides for annual releases from Lake Powell ranging between 5 million and 12 million acre-feet. Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming would not be subject to the proposed reductions under the current framework.
More than 40 million people depend on the Colorado River for water. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the proposal is designed to provide flexibility while adapting to changing water conditions, with management decisions to be reviewed every two years through 2036.
Related Tweet:
Breaking news: Arizona, California and Nevada will be required to curb their use of the water from the Colorado River by about 20 percent over two years — and could face even larger cuts — according to three officials familiar with negotiations. https://t.co/L6Zt98tE6G
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 31, 2026
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