Upper Basin states avoid federal water cuts but still face drought challenges
The U.S. Department of the Interior exempted Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming from mandatory water reductions, while the Lower Basin states must cut up to 3 million acre-feet annually.
The Interior Department’s final environmental impact statement in July concluded that Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming will not face the compulsory water cuts imposed on the Lower Basin states for the next two years. California, Nevada and Arizona must collectively reduce their use by up to 3 million acre-feet, roughly half of their combined allocation. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo responded with a lawsuit, criticizing the Upper Basin for lacking its own mitigation proposals.
Upper Basin governors issued a joint statement urging continued good-faith talks and a comprehensive seven-state agreement. Despite the exemption, the Upper Basin grapples with its own drought pressures, including Denver Water’s upcoming lawn-watering restrictions and Utah’s reservoirs falling below average levels. The region hopes winter precipitation will replenish supplies while negotiations continue.
