Topic analysis

US plan for Colorado River could cut up to 40% supply for Arizona, California and Nevada

The U.S. government has proposed a 10-year plan to cut Colorado River water supplies by up to 40% (3 million acre-feet) for Arizona, California, and Nevada, after seven states dependent on the drought-stricken river failed to agree on reductions amid critically low reservoir levels. The plan, to be finalized in June, will base cuts on the 1922 Colorado River Compact (giving California priority), while the three lower-basin states recently offered a voluntary reduction proposal of up to 3.25 million acre-feet through 2028 that is under federal evaluation.