At this point, it’s old news to say that the Colorado River is in crisis. … But on nearby Lake Havasu, the water’s not just fine; it’s perfect for an endless summertime party. … The discord is a side effect of the complex series of compacts, court decisions, federal laws and other regulations that guide policy along the Colorado River. … Because Lake Havasu must maintain a certain elevation to keep water flowing into the [Colorado River] aqueduct, which provides water to some of the most powerful water users in the Colorado River system, the lake’s surface elevation typically stays between 445 feet and its maximum of 450 feet. Water is also diverted from the lake for the Central Arizona Project, which carries river water to Phoenix and Tucson. 

Other Colorado River management news:

• Navajo Times: Unsettled waters: Navajo water deal advances in basin, hits funding wall in Congress
• KNAU (Flagstaff, Ariz.): New Colorado River plan causes concern and uncertainty for some tribal nations in Arizona
• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Tucson Water customers to see no immediate change under river cutback plan
• KTAR (Phoenix): As the Grand Canyon’s river is drying up a $50 million industry is going with it
• Colorado Public Radio: Facing “devastatingly low” reservoir levels, Colorado River communities get creative
• Aspen Public Radio: Feds’ plan for Colorado River tries to keep Powell and Mead infrastructure afloat without consensus from states
• Accuweather: Colorado River cuts could force a new era of water conservation in the Southwest
• The Hill: Dwindling Colorado River creates water and power challenges for the Western US