Central Arizona Project joins Colorado River lawsuit

The Central Arizona Project (CAP), a 336-mile canal system providing 36% of Arizona’s water, has officially joined a lawsuit against the federal government regarding Colorado River water cuts. The litigation, originally initiated by Nevada, challenges a 10-year river plan proposed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under the Department of the Interior.

CAP officials stated in a motion to intervene that the proposed plan could drastically reduce or even eliminate the canal’s water supply. Under the current Bureau of Reclamation proposal, the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada could face water usage cuts of up to 40%, while Upper Basin states such as Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming would not be required to reduce usage.

If ongoing droughts in the American Southwest persist, CAP’s water allotment could be reduced by half as early as next year. The Central Arizona Water Conservation District is seeking to intervene to protect its interests and ensure they are considered in the legal proceedings.