Bureau of Reclamation

Colorado River negotiations near November 11 deadline

Arizona slams Colorado while Utah stays optimistic as seven states race to reach a Colorado River deal before the November 11 federal deadline.

Crucial November deadline looms for Colorado River talks

Seven states face a November 11 deadline to agree on Colorado River management or risk federal intervention and basin-wide water cuts.

Federal shutdown impacts on Interior and Reclamation

The 2025 federal shutdown furloughed thousands, but Reclamation keeps water and power running while projects and research face delays.

Weekly water news video: Wildfires, vacancies and a 1916 mystery

This week’s Western Water Weekly video highlights wildfire smoke risks, Reclamation’s leadership gap, Utah’s water-sharing pact, California’s golden mussel invasion, and the growing debate...

Colorado River talks stalled by Bureau vacancy

The White House withdrew Ted Cooke’s nomination to lead Reclamation, leaving the Colorado River without steady leadership as talks stall.

Trump budget cuts threaten Western water projects

A congressional report says Trump’s 2026 budget would cut federal help for drinking water, sewers, water recycling, and storage across the Colorado River Basin.

About This Site

Western-Water is for laypeople who are interested in general water news and their water rights. Managed by a water paralegal with over 30 years' experience in Arizona water issues, you'll find calculators, tips and general information geared for water users in the Colorado River states. Do not rely on this site for legal advice. The picture was taken while hiking at Aravaipa Canyon, a must see!

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Deborah on Gold mining prompts legal challenge over rare Nevada speciesJanuary 25, 2026
Ha! Good question. They want the opportunity to investigate the population of these species.
Deborah on Utah faces worrisome drought conditionsJanuary 25, 2026
It will be a dire situation, Callie. They've been looking at different options.
Callie Humes on Utah faces worrisome drought conditionsJanuary 23, 2026
What will happen to Utah's water resources if they don't end up getting any snowfall winter?
Callie Humes on Gold mining prompts legal challenge over rare Nevada speciesJanuary 23, 2026
Why would they list the species as endangered when they don't know how many there are yet?
Deborah on WOTUS comments close as rule review moves forwardJanuary 8, 2026
A lot of people and organizations put a lot of thought into their comments. Personally, I think it's good that…