The Trump administration has proposed a 10-year plan to reduce Colorado River water supplies to Arizona, California, and Nevada by up to 40%, as reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell reach critically low levels. The plan, revealed during a meeting in Phoenix, would mandate cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet annually—enough to supply 6 million to 9 million households for a year. These reductions would be reassessed every two years under the framework, which could be implemented through existing law or interstate agreements.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
The proposal follows months of failed negotiations among the seven states dependent on the Colorado River, which has lost 27.8 million acre-feet of water over the past 20 years due to overuse and drought. The 1922 Colorado River Compact prioritizes California’s water rights, meaning the state would face the least severe cuts under the plan. Arizona’s Central Arizona Project (CAP) could see flows reduced to zero, according to state officials.
Deeper Dive & Context
State Reactions and Negotiations
Arizona, California, and Nevada had previously offered voluntary cuts of 1.6 million acre-feet over two years, but the federal plan would impose deeper mandatory reductions. The upper-basin states—Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico—have resisted cuts, complicating negotiations. The Trump administration’s plan could trigger legal battles, as states disagree on how to share the river’s dwindling supply.
Legal and Policy Implications
The proposed cuts would be based on the “priority of the law of the river,” a reference to the 1922 compact. Federal officials indicated the plan would either follow existing law or require new agreements. The reductions aim to stabilize Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which have been depleted by prolonged drought and overuse. The plan’s finalization is expected in June.
Long-Term Outlook
The framework would govern water sharing through 2028, with new negotiations every two years. The plan’s severity has been described as “sobering” by Arizona officials, highlighting the urgency of addressing the river’s sustainability amid climate change and population growth.