The potential collapse of the Central Arizona Project due to continued low Colorado River flows could be a game-changer for Arizona’s water use and policies, triggering vastly increased emphasis on water conservation and possibly even future growth limits. Or, the state could simply return to its post-World War II custom of unlimited groundwater pumping, combined with building massive water augmentation projects such as desalination plants.

Other Colorado River management news:

• Las Vegas Review-Journal: ‘A true emergency’: Nevada agency asks court to toss ‘useless grass’ case
• Center for Western Priorities: Blog: States are playing hardball in Colorado River negotiations
• Gear Junkie: As Lake Powell dries, river advocates see opportunity to restore America’s ‘lost national park’