The Biden administration floated two ideas this week for how Western states and Native American tribes could reduce their water use from the dwindling Colorado River
The proposals released Tuesday built on some of those ideas and rejected others.California is entitled to 4.4 million acre feet of water annually, more than any other single state in the Colorado River basin. California's rights also are among the most secure.Under current rules, California doesn't lose any water until Lake Mead falls below 1,045 feet — about a foot lower than it is now.
The state's water users are entitled to 2.8 million acre feet of Colorado River water annually. Native American tribes along the Colorado River and farmers near Yuma in southwestern Arizona hold priority over cities. Under both options, some Arizona water users could have their allocations cut to zero if Lake Mead falls low enough to risk hydropower production.
The four states get water directly from the river and, in most years, do not use the full 7.5 million acre feet appropriated to the Upper Basin.The analysis provides water users some fresh starting points in negotiations over cuts. Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, says the two proposals will spur renewed efforts to reach consensus over the next 45 days. That goal has been elusive for nearly a year.Doing nothing raises the risk that Lake Powell and Lake Mead drop so low that hydropower from their dams is threatened. Power production has already been affected with low lake levels. Voluntary water conservation can help.
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