Colorado River Negotiations Intensify Amid Worsening Hydrological Conditions

Critical negotiations regarding the future of the Colorado River have resumed after a two-week pause, as the seven states reliant on the river face increasingly dire water supply forecasts. Talks restarted on March 2nd, with a focus on a short-term agreement proposed by Nevada, according to New Mexico’s water negotiator, Estevan López.

Nevada’s Proposal and Lower Basin Demands

Nevada has proposed increasing water releases from upper basin reservoirs, specifically Flaming Gorge, by at least 500,000 acre-feet to prevent Lake Powell from dropping to critically low levels, potentially halting hydropower production by December. In exchange, lower basin states – Arizona, California and Nevada – would agree to reduce their water consumption by 1.25 million acre-feet until “system conditions have meaningfully improved.”

Upper Basin Counterproposal and Dire Hydrology

Upper basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) have presented a counterproposal, which was scheduled for discussion on Thursday. López emphasized the severity of the current hydrological situation, suggesting a release of half a million acre-feet from Flaming Gorge to bolster Lake Powell for the remainder of the water year.

Federal Intervention Looms

With states missing previous deadlines to reach a consensus on water sharing and conservation, the federal government is increasingly likely to intervene and formulate its own plan before the current operating guidelines expire this fall. The Interior Department is currently reviewing thousands of public comments on potential management options for the vital waterway.

Record-Low Snowpack Exacerbates Crisis

Water negotiators are also contending with a record-low snowpack across the West, further compounding the water supply challenges. The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center predicts only 2.3 million acre-feet of Colorado River water will reach Lake Powell through July – approximately one-third of the normal amount.

Colorado River Basin States

The Colorado River is a critical resource for seven U.S. States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as Mexico.

Previous Negotiations and Stalled Progress

The seven Western states previously missed a deadline in February to agree on a plan to address the ongoing drought and water shortages. Arizona, California, and Nevada jointly called for greater concessions from the upper basin states, having already offered to reduce their allocations by 27%, 10%, and 17%, respectively.

This story is part of ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, produced by KUNC in Colorado and supported by the Walton Family Foundation. KUNC is solely responsible for its editorial coverage.