California and two other states have avoided the harshest water cutbacks the Trump administration could have imposed over the next two years to deal with the deepening crisis on the Colorado River. The Times has learned that federal officials have agreed with an offer made earlier this year by California, Arizona and Nevada to reduce what they take from the river by at least 3.2 million acre-feet between now and the end of 2028. Under the plan, California will cut its use of Colorado River water by about 12% through 2028, Arizona will take about 31% less and Nevada 28% less, according to two officials at state and local agencies who spoke anonymously since details of an announcement are still being finalized.

Other Colorado River management news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix): After debate, Arizona Water Bank will make cities whole during Colorado River cutbacks
• Cowboy State Daily (Cheyenne, Wyo.): In Cheyenne, interior secretary says he’ll act on Colorado River crisis, if he has to
• Oil City News (Cheyenne, Wyo.): US Interior Secretary Burgum talks Colorado River water rule changes at CFD
• Arizona’s Family (Phoenix): City of Scottsdale spending $8.25 million on water from Harquahala Valley
• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Opinion: Arizona must pay for more Colorado River water rights
• Cornell University: Blog: Colorado West Slope water shortages require careful coordination
• Environmental Defense Fund: Blog: Why we need a new story for the Colorado River