Federal officials are expected to ease water cuts for 2024 in light of a slightly improved outlook for the health of the Colorado River. The Colorado River supplies water to seven U.S. states, 29 Native American tribes, and two states in Mexico, as well as supporting a multibillion-dollar farm industry and generating hydropower. However, years of overuse by farms and cities, coupled with the effects of drought worsened by climate change, have significantly reduced the water flow in the river.
In 2021, the U.S. government announced cuts that particularly impacted Arizona. These cuts were exacerbated last year due to continued drought, poor precipitation, and reduced runoff from the Rocky Mountains. The Bureau of Reclamation is expected to describe the Colorado River’s status based on projected water levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, two key reservoirs. It is anticipated that there will be cuts announced for next year to some basin states, based on agreements to prevent Lake Mead from reaching critically low levels.
While a wetter winter and conservation measures have helped improve the river’s health to some extent this summer, experts warn that a drier future lies ahead. Lake Powell and Lake Mead are currently only about 39% and 33% full, respectively, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the river.
Deeper cuts are expected in the future, but this week’s announcement is just one step in a series of water-savings plans already in place or being negotiated. The states of Arizona, California, and Nevada have released a plan to conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet of water through 2026 in exchange for $1.2 billion from the federal government. Additionally, some tribes and districts in the West are signing contracts to use less water in return for federal funding.
The impending cuts are not expected to significantly impact farmers, who utilize 70-80% of the water in the Colorado River system. In Arizona’s Pinal County, farmers lost almost their entire Colorado River water supply last year, resulting in half the farmland going unplanted. Cities in the West, such as Phoenix and Las Vegas, are also unlikely to be significantly affected by this week’s announcement, as they have already implemented strict water conservation measures.
Looking ahead, discussions among states, tribes, and the federal government about the future allocation of Colorado River water are just beginning. Guidelines that dictate water allocation are set to expire in 2026, and negotiations will need to consider how users can adapt to significantly less water in the system. The winter’s precipitation may have provided temporary relief, but long-term planning is necessary to address the ongoing challenges faced by the Colorado River.
