The San Diego region appears well-positioned to weather sharp cuts to California’s share of Colorado River water. The U.S. Department of Interior on Friday announced California, Arizona and Nevada need to reduce their water usage by 1.25 million acre-feet annually between 2027-2028, as climate change and overuse push the Colorado River watershed further into crisis. California is absorbing the second-largest cut, at 440,000 acre-feet of water. But Felicia Marcus, former chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board, said in an interview that local leaders have spent “smart money” bolstering the water supply here. … Those factors have contributed to a supply glut for the Water Authority, which allows the utility to sell water to other California agencies. The Water Authority is also exploring how to sell water to other thirsty Western states.

Other Colorado River management news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix): Arizona is moving forward with ideas to import more water. They won’t be cheap
• ABC15 (Phoenix): Gilbert accelerates drinking water well program amid Colorado River uncertainty
• KOLD (Tucson, Ariz.): Colorado River cuts could drive up your water bill
• The Desert Review (Brawley, Calif.): Stage Four begins for the IID to protect its rights to Colorado River water
• Eos: Blog: The Colorado River Basin is running out of water. Not everyone is happy with the government’s suggested solution.