Environmental groups are demanding that the Trump administration exercise the federal government’s authority to curb wasteful water use in an effort to address the Colorado River’s chronic water shortages. In a petition submitted Tuesday, the Natural Resources Defense Council and nine other groups called for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to enforce a provision of federal regulations stating that water deliveries in California, Arizona and Nevada “will not exceed those reasonably required for beneficial use.” … The petition takes aim in particular at wasteful water practices in agriculture. … Leaders of the groups that submitted the petition … suggested in it that the government should also consider wasteful water use in cities and industries.

Related articles:

• E&E News by Politico: Greens seek halt to ‘wasteful’ Colorado River water deliveries
• The Hill: Water groups press Trump administration to stop Colorado River water waste
• Smart Water Magazine: Environmental groups file petition with Reclamation to curb Colorado River water waste
• Las Vegas Review-Journal: ‘Something dramatic needs to be done’: Water use needs federal oversight, nonprofits say