An environmental organization is floating a concept that could help the Colorado River system during extremely dry years like this one and keep the nation’s two largest reservoirs above critical thresholds. Boulder-based Western Resource Advocates has released a concept paper that explores the idea of a flexible pool of water that can be moved wherever it’s needed most among the basin’s biggest reservoirs. Water users in the Lower Basin states — California, Arizona and Nevada — currently have about 3.2 million acre-feet stored in Lake Mead through voluntary conservation and efficiency measures. Water users bank water in this pool, known as the Intentionally Created Surplus, and can take this water back out again to use under certain circumstances.

Other Colorado River management news:

• FOX13 (Salt Lake City): Utah’s negotiator on Colorado River says feds may make short-term decision for states
• The Salt Lake Tribune: ‘It’s a different lake now’: As Lake Powell drops, an iconic marina chases deeper water
• Arizona Mirror: Arizona voters rank water supply above immigration and inflation, new poll finds
• National Audubon Society: News release: 75% of Arizona voters demand action on Colorado River water security