Leaders from California, Arizona, and Nevada are criticizing proposed federal water cutbacks along the Colorado River, and are urging the Trump administration to pursue a different approach to avoid a potential court battle.
The three downstream states communicated their concerns in letters to the Interior Department this week, asserting that the administration’s five proposed options disregard the “Law of the River,” a foundational set of agreements governing water distribution among seven western states for over a century.
California’s lead negotiator, JB Hamby, wrote in a letter to the Trump administration that federal officials have not determined whether their options comply with the 1922 Colorado River Compact, calling it “a fundamental deficiency that must be corrected.” The compact requires that at least 7.5 million acre-feet of water, plus an allotment for Mexico, be released from Upper Basin dams each decade.
The Colorado River supplies water to farms, cities, and tribal communities throughout the region, from the Rocky Mountains to northern Mexico. The 1922 agreement initially allocated more water than the river could sustainably provide, and climate change is now exacerbating the situation by contributing to drier conditions and reduced river flow.
Officials from California, Arizona, and Nevada argue that the five options proposed by the Trump administration would disproportionately burden their states with cuts even as allowing the Upper Basin states to potentially increase their water use. Arizona official Tom Buschatzke stated, “There is no legal outcome where reductions … are imposed almost entirely on the Lower Basin.”
Leaders from the Upper Basin states have also raised objections, claiming the proposed options are based on flawed assumptions and fail to adequately address water loss through evaporation. They also argue the federal government should consider evaporation rates when determining water allocations.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential impact of water cuts on the Salton Sea, a saline lake in California, and the communities surrounding it. Reduced water flow could accelerate the lake’s shrinkage, impacting wildlife and increasing windblown dust that contributes to health problems.
The current rules governing Colorado River water distribution are set to expire in late 2026, and representatives from the seven states have so far been unable to reach a consensus on a new plan, though negotiations are ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Law of the River”?
The “Law of the River” refers to the body of laws, court decisions, and agreements that have governed the Colorado River for over a century.
What is a “compact call”?
A “compact call” is a legal mechanism by which the Lower Basin states could sue the Upper Basin states if they fail to deliver the amount of water guaranteed by the 1922 Colorado River Compact.
What impact could cuts have on Arizona and Nevada?
Proposed cuts could reduce water allocations for Arizona by 33% to 69% and for Nevada by 24% to 67%, potentially prompting Arizona cities to pump more groundwater, which is already declining in many areas.
As negotiations continue, what role will the aging infrastructure of the Colorado River system, like Glen Canyon Dam, play in securing a sustainable water future for the region?
