The Decision: Colorado River gets 2-year plan amid record lows
The Interior Department finalized new Colorado River rules for 2027-2028, cutting Lower Basin water 1.25 million acre-feet yearly as lakes hit record lows.
Tag: Colorado River drought
Lake Powell and Lake Mead have dropped to their lowest July levels in 30 years, and the full Colorado River system sits at just 33% of capacity.
Interior Secretary Burgum met with all seven Basin State governors July 21 as a landmark post-2026 Colorado River operating plan nears release.
Southern California's water agency struck a $65 million federal deal to leave water in a near-historic-low Lake Mead and protect Hoover Dam power generation.
Federal forecasters warn Lake Powell could lose hydropower capacity by spring 2027 as Colorado River inflows hit historic lows and key rules expire.
The Colorado River system sits at just 34% capacity. Seven states have missed every deadline. The federal government now has until October to act.