Bold New Plan Announced By Arizona, California, And Nevada To Alleviate Colorado River Drought

Arizona, California, and Nevada on Monday, announced a plan to significantly reduce their water consumption from the Colorado River in the coming three years. The decision comes as the region has been suffering from a prolonged drought.

What Happened: The three states plan to conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet of water from the 1,450-mile Colorado River, according to the Associated Press, The river is a lifeline for 40 million residents across seven U.S. states, certain parts of Mexico, and over two dozen Native American tribes.

According to the plan, by 2024, at least half of the targeted amount, 1.5 million acre-feet of water, should be conserved. In a reciprocal arrangement, cities, irrigation districts, and Native American tribes in the three states that commit to conserving water will receive federal funding.

In an official statement, JB Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California, said his state "would be responsible for 1.6 million acre-feet in cuts." The plan did not provide immediate details on how Arizona and Nevada would share the remaining burden.

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Why It Matters: The Colorado River, a crucial water source for the western states, has been reeling under the impacts of an extended drought, aggravated by climate change, surging demand, and excessive use. As a result, the water levels in key reservoirs along the river have plummeted to unprecedented lows. However, this winter, heavy precipitation and deep snowpack have provided some relief.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, in April, had put forth a plan that contemplated two methods to enforce reductions in the Colorado River's supply for Arizona, Nevada, and California. This recent proposition by the Western states has prompted the Interior Department to retract its proposal temporarily for further analysis. 

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