Negotiations among seven states to share the dwindling water resources of the Colorado River have stalled, leaving the future of water supply in the Southwest uncertain. As of Friday, February 13, 2026, a Trump administration deadline passed without a consensus agreement.
A Deepening Impasse
The states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Modern Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming – have been unable to reach a new long-term agreement on water allocation. Existing rules are set to expire at the end of this year. This follows a previous missed federal deadline in November.
Former U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt suggested the current effort should be abandoned and restarted, arguing that the Trump administration should renew existing agreements for five years. He believes attempting to impose a long-term solution could trigger a lengthy court battle.
Uneven Burden of Cuts
Babbitt stated that current proposals from the Trump administration appear to place the burden of water cuts disproportionately on Arizona, California, and Nevada, while not requiring any cuts from the four upper basin states: Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
States have previously attempted to mitigate reservoir declines through voluntary water cutbacks and federal payments to farmers who agreed to fallow fields. However, these efforts have not yielded a comprehensive solution.
Reservoir Levels and Regional Impact
The Colorado River provides water for approximately 35 million people and 5 million acres of farmland. Lake Mead is currently 34% full, and Lake Powell is at 26%. Since 2000, drought conditions, intensified by climate change, have diminished the river’s flow.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, released a joint statement affirming their commitment to conservation and calling for shared responsibility among all seven basin states.
What Could Happen Next
Interior Department officials have not yet announced their response to the failed negotiations. They are considering four options for imposing cutbacks, as well as the possibility of taking no action. It’s possible the existing agreements will be extended, or the federal government may attempt to impose a solution, potentially leading to legal challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the February 13th deadline?
The deadline, set by the Trump administration, was intended to compel the seven states to reach an agreement on sharing the Colorado River’s diminishing water supply. Its passing without a deal underscores the difficulty of the negotiations.
What is Bruce Babbitt’s role in the Colorado River negotiations?
Bruce Babbitt, a former U.S. Interior Secretary, has been actively involved in shaping water policies for decades and continues to offer his input on the current negotiations. He has publicly advocated for a new approach to the process.
What is the current status of reservoir levels on the Colorado River?
Lake Mead, the river’s largest reservoir, is at 34% capacity, while Lake Powell is at 26% capacity, indicating severely depleted water storage.
How will the ongoing Colorado River negotiations impact the future of water resources in the Southwest?
