Colorado water managers say a state-run conservation program planned for 2027 is in jeopardy as they wait on an agreement with federal officials.  Before they open the application period for a new conservation program, state officials want assurance from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation that conserved water they store in Lake Powell won’t just be released downstream for Lower Basin use. In September, the state water board approved the application review process and criteria for what state officials are calling Colorado’s near-term contribution program for 2027. The program aims to use nearly $100 million in funding from Reclamation to pay water users in the Upper Basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) to voluntarily cut back. 

Other Colorado River management news:

• KSL (Salt Lake City): Lake Powell gained more than 10 feet this month. Will its run continue?
• The Center Square: Arizona lawmakers have mixed views on Colorado River panel
• KLAS (Las Vegas): Why do we keep building? Nevada’s water chief answers your questions
• KTAR (Phoenix): Arizona’s water challenges trickle down to real estate agents, who increasingly face questions about the viability of living in the desert