Unable to get Colorado River states to hash out a new 20-year deal to share in worsening water shortages, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has told them it’s now aiming for a 10-year plan with prescribed cutbacks to be reassessed every two years. Federal officials informed the seven states of their new preference late last week, and Arizona’s lead negotiator made it public on Wednesday, May 13, during a meeting of a committee representing the cities, tribes and other water users who meet to develop a unified state position. The shift to what could effectively become five two-year plans carries both opportunities and risks for Arizona.

Other Colorado River management news:

• Los Angeles Times: A dire ‘math problem’ on the Colorado River and wholly inadequate responses
• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Arizona takes big Colorado River water cuts under new federal plan
• Townlift (Park City, Utah): Federal officials tap Flaming Gorge Reservoir to keep Lake Powell above critical levels
• Maven’s Notebook: Blog: Colorado River post-2026 operations – Lower Basin proposal and next steps
• Pagosa Daily Post (Pagosa Springs, Colo.): Opinion: Wanted, a marriage counselor for the Colorado River