The U.S. government has finalized a two-year plan to reduce water supplies from the drought-stricken Colorado River, impacting California, Nevada, and Arizona. The three lower basin states will face approximately a 21% reduction in water supply in 2027 and 2028, with potential for cuts nearly doubling later in the decade. This decision follows failed negotiations between upper and lower basin states on managing the shrinking river, which provides water to one in ten Americans and irrigates land producing 15% of U.S. food output.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs applauded the federal government’s adoption of the lower basin proposal for cuts but criticized the plan as falling short of providing necessary water rights for lower basin states. She emphasized Arizona’s preparedness to protect its water through legal means if needed, stating that the upper basin’s refusal to negotiate reductions in their water usage is “reckless.” The final plan mandates a combined reduction of 1.6 million acre-feet per year for California, Nevada, and Arizona in both 2027 and 2028, with potential increases to nearly double this amount if critical reservoir levels are at risk. Hydrologist Sarah Porter expressed concern over Arizona’s legal rights being challenged by the Bureau of Reclamation regarding future cuts beyond what lower basin states have agreed upon.

This is a summary. Read the original at yahoo.com.