Sharing The Burden Of A Drought

"Under terms of the deal, already reviewed by water boards in both states, Nevada would join Arizona in giving up water if drought triggered a shortage on the river. Nevada would also pay Arizona $8 million to help secure other water sources."

"Without the deal, Arizona would lose about half of its allocation before any other state gave up a drop. Arizona and Nevada agreed to share any shortage on the Colorado River."

"The agreement is a critical piece of a larger plan that will outline how all seven Colorado River states will manage their resources in a sustained drought. A draft of that plan will be released Feb. 28."

"In the meantime, Arizona lawmakers will be asked to allow Arizona, Nevada and California to store water from other sources in Lake Mead."