What happens when Colorado River drought plans end in 2026?
With seven states, 30 tribes and Mexico, the Central Arizona Project and the Gila River Indian Community addressed the uncertainty of the Colorado River Basin water shortage at the 2025 Society of Environmental Journalist Conference. Facing water shortages in the Colorado River Basin in the early 200s, the 2007 Colorado River Interim Guidelines and later the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans were created to mitigate water use. These plans expire in 2026. New agreements could potentially lead to less availability of water. “We’re looking at a new water supply someday. It might not only be Colorado River water going through the canal system,” said DeEtte Person, communications strategist for the Central Arizona Project.
Other Colorado River Basin news:
- KNPR (Reno, Nev.): Audio: Colorado River states were supposed to agree on a water plan. Where’s that at today?
- KSL (Salt Lake City, Utah): Dust continues to impact Colorado River’s water flow, Utah study finds
- Colorado Politics (Denver): Colorado House lawmakers approve bill to increase water plan funding using sports betting revenue
- CBS News: Colorado’s snowpack drops to 5th percentile, drought looms for portions of the state
