Overview
- The Interior Department advanced federal planning after the seven basin states missed a Feb. 14 deadline, and a draft environmental impact statement with five alternatives is out for review until March 2.
- An Arizona water policy expert interpreting the draft said a “basic coordinational” option could concentrate reductions on Lower Basin users, reaching up to 69% for Arizona, 67% for Nevada, and 33% for California.
- The Central Arizona Project and allied cities launched ads arguing some federal options would unfairly target Arizona, with CAP’s Brenda Burman warning one scenario could effectively shut off the canal to Phoenix and Tucson.
- Lower Basin governors said Arizona offered a 27% cut, California 10%, and Nevada nearly 17% in pursuit of a seven‑state deal, while Upper Basin leaders continue to resist mandatory reductions.
- Preparing for tighter supplies, Colorado Springs Utilities said roughly half its water comes from the Colorado River—about 70% with reuse—and highlighted diversification and agricultural water‑sharing programs to bolster resilience.