U.S. Bureau of Reclamation weighs Arizona-led Colorado River water‑cut proposal

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing a proposal from Arizona, California and Nevada that seeks to cut at least 3.2 million acre‑feet of Colorado River use through 2028. The Lower Basin states presented the plan in May to avoid steep federal reductions that could affect millions of water users in Phoenix and Tucson.

If adopted, the proposal would halve the cuts the bureau initially suggested and could stave off legal battles with Upper Basin states, who have raised objections. The bureau aims to finalize its decision by early August; otherwise it will impose its own plan. Negotiations continue with all seven basin states and tribal nations involved.