Arizona loses one-fifth of its Colorado River allocation under new federal drought plan
Debra Utacia Krol Arizona Republic
The federal government will impose deeper cuts on the drought-stricken Colorado River, officials said on Tuesday, reducing water deliveries to Arizona by one-fifth starting in January.
The Bureau of Reclamation announced what it called "urgent action" as water levels in the river's two largest reservoirs continue to drop. Under the steps outlined Tuesday, Arizona will lose 592,000 acre-feet of its river allocation in 2023, which represents 21% of its usual delivery. That's an increase of 80,000 acre-feet from the 2022 cuts.
The additional cuts will come from the non-Indian agricultural water allocations, which includes farmers and some tribes, said Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke.
Nevada will give up 25,000 acre-feet, about 8% of its allocation, and Mexico's share will be cut by 104,000 acre-feet, or 7% of its allocation. California will not lose any of its share under the blueprint released Tuesday.
These moves are meant to protect two major dams from structural damage and the ability to generate electric power.
Currently, Lake Mead holds just over 25% capacity and Lake Powell just less than 25%.
"Prolonged drought is one of the most profound issues facing the U.S. today," said Tommy Beaudreau, assistant Interior secretary.
The Southwest has endured unrelenting drought for more than 20 years, an arid stretch that some scientists say is the worst in 1,200 years.
U.S. House: Bills passed to address drought on the Colorado River, wildfire recovery
"Our reservoirs are declining rapidly," said Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary of the Interior Department for water and science.
She said all users have the responsibility to ensure the water is used responsibly. Trujillo said if new funding is authorized without prompt actions now, the Colorado River and the 40 million people who depend on it will face an uncertain future.
Arizona already has taken significant cuts to its annual take from the river, but it hasn't been enough to keep Lake Mead from dropping further.
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Arizona loses one-fifth of its Colorado River allocation under new federal drought plan
The federal government will impose deeper cuts on the drought-stricken Colorado River, reducing water deliveries to Arizona. Here's what to know.
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Does United States federal government have legitimate authority to dictate water issues? Where in the United States Constitution does the word "water" appear?