States in the Lower Basin of the Colorado River will contribute more water in order to keep reservoirs from reaching critically low levels.
"Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will start taking less water from the Colorado River in January as a hard-fought set of agreements kicks in to reduce the risk of reservoirs falling to critically low levels," reports Ian James. The Lower Basin agreement also means California will contribute water to Lake Mead if reservoir levels drop below a certain point.
This agreement, as well as Upper Basin plans and an additional accord with Mexico, is part of an effort to keep reservoir levels sustained for the next seven years. The effects of chronic overuse in past decades and years of drought are now being exacerbated by climate change, and the drought contingency plans are an attempt to get out ahead of the problem.
"Water managers and supporters of the latest Colorado River deal have called it a ‘bridge solution’ to get the region through 2026, by which time new guidelines for managing shortages are supposed to be in place," says James.
FULL STORY: Water cutbacks set to begin under deal designed to ‘buy down risk’ on Colorado River
States Agree to Drastic Water Cuts From Colorado River
In the throes of a historic megadrought, three Southwestern states will make deep reductions in their water usage to preserve diminishing resources.
Colorado River States Inch Closer to Agreement
Upper Basin and Lower Basin states each say their plan for conserving the Colorado River’s water is the most sustainable.
Federal Program Provides Direct Payments for Colorado River Water Conservation
A water buyback program will pay farmers who reduce their water use in an effort to sustain the West’s reservoirs, which are at historically low levels.
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