Colorado River States Rush to Finalize Water Sharing Deal

Negotiators aim to prepare for significant cuts in water use as climate change and overuse shrink the river's flow.

States relying on the Colorado River are rushing to agree on a long-term deal to share the dwindling resource by the end of the year, fearing a change in administrations after the election could set back talks.
Negotiators are seeking an agreement that would prepare for extraordinary cuts in the amount of river water that can be tapped. The Colorado provides drinking water to 40 million people in seven states, 30 tribes and Mexico, as well as irrigation for some of America’s most productive farmland.
The amount of water flowing in the Colorado has declined over time as rising temperatures reduce the snowpack that feeds the river. Current snow measurements are less than half their usual levels.
The rules that govern the distribution of Colorado River water expire at the end of 2026. Negotiators are trying to reach a deal quickly, in case the White House changes hands.
Significant federal spending on new infrastructure to use water more efficiently is aiding the negotiations. However, states throughout the Southwest will need to absorb huge cuts in water use.