- Federal officials released a draft environmental review on January 9, 2026.
- The review examines five possible approaches for managing reservoirs after 2026.
- No preferred option has been selected as negotiations continue.
- Public comments will be accepted through March 2, 2026.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 — On Friday, January 9, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation released a draft Environmental Impact Statement
that evaluates how the Colorado River’s major reservoirs could be operated after current guidelines expire at the end of 2026. The document marks a significant step in shaping the river’s future management during a period defined by long-term drought and declining water supplies.
The Colorado River system has endured more than two decades of drought. Those conditions, combined with scientific forecasts indicating continued arid trends, have made it difficult for water managers and states to agree on a single path forward. The draft Environmental Impact Statement is intended to ensure that legally compliant operating rules are ready in time to avoid disruptions when existing agreements end.
According to the Department of the Interior, the review process allows river operations to continue without interruption while negotiations among the basin states and other parties move forward.
Why the Draft Review Matters.
The Colorado River supplies water to more than 40 million people across seven states and supports agriculture on approximately 5.5 million acres of farmland. The system also generates hydropower, sustains ecosystems, and provides water to 30 Tribal Nations within the United States.
Because of these competing demands, federal officials emphasized that delay is not an option. Interior leadership stated that environmental compliance must be in place before new operating rules can take effect in 2027.
The Five Operational Alternatives.
The draft Environmental Impact Statement evaluates five broad operational alternatives. These options are designed to reflect different levels of coordination, flexibility, and risk tolerance rather than serve as final proposals.
- No Action — This alternative assumes the expiration of current operating guidelines without replacement. It serves as a baseline for comparison and highlights potential risks if no new framework is adopted.
- Basic Coordination — Under this option, reservoir operations would rely on limited coordination among water managers, largely following existing practices with minimal changes.
- Enhanced Coordination — This alternative expands coordination among federal agencies, states, tribes, and water users. It emphasizes shared decision-making and more structured responses to shortages.
- Maximum Operational Flexibility — This approach allows managers greater discretion to respond to changing hydrologic conditions, including severe drought scenarios, using adaptive tools.
- Supply Driven — The supply-driven alternative ties reservoir releases more directly to available water supplies, potentially resulting in sharper adjustments during dry periods.
Federal officials stressed that none of these alternatives has been selected as a preferred option. Instead, the expectation is that a final agreement will likely combine elements from multiple alternatives.
Public Comment and Next Steps.
The draft Environmental Impact Statement will be published in the Federal Register on January 16, 2026. That publication will begin a 45-day public comment period, which is scheduled to close on March 2, 2026.
Feedback from states, tribes, water users, conservation groups, and the public will inform the development of a final Environmental Impact Statement. A final decision on post-2026 operations is expected before October 1, 2026, which marks the start of the 2027 water year.
What the Draft Does Not Cover.
The current review addresses only domestic operations of the Colorado River within the United States. A separate process is underway to address water deliveries to Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty. Discussions related to international operations are being handled through the International Boundary and Water Commission in coordination with the Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Environmental Impact Statement?
An Environmental Impact Statement is a detailed analysis required under federal law to evaluate the environmental effects of major government actions and consider alternative approaches.
Why is this review happening now?
Current operating guidelines for the Colorado River expire at the end of 2026. New guidelines must be in place before the 2027 water year to ensure continued and lawful operations.
Does the draft pick a final plan for the river?
No. The draft evaluates options but does not select a preferred alternative. Final decisions will come later after public input and negotiations.
Who is involved in shaping the final decision?
Participants include the seven basin states, Tribal Nations, federal agencies, conservation groups, agricultural interests, municipal water providers, and the public.
How could this affect water users?
Future operating rules could influence reservoir releases, shortage sharing, hydropower generation, and long-term water reliability across the Colorado River Basin.
When will a final decision be made?
Federal officials expect a decision on post-2026 operations before October 1, 2026.
