The Colorado River crisis is increasingly dire, with the seven basin states blowing through their fall deadline to develop a plan on how the upper and lower basins will share in a progressively shrinking river. The states now have until February 14, 2026, to develop a framework before the federal government may impose a plan. As the junior water user on the system, Arizona has been first in line to take unprecedented cuts from our allotment of Colorado River water, and experts warn that the pain of reduced water may be felt by all users in a post-2026 world. For additional perspective, please review the following news stories published by local Arizona news outlets.
Colorado River Basin States at an Impasse
In a recent article appearing in the Arizona Daily Star, writer Tony Davis wades through the issues confronting the seven Colorado River Basin states and the challenges they face during ongoing water resource negotiations.
Complex Issues Swirl Around the Colorado River
In this comprehensive article – “As states draw Colorado River water, what’s left for the river?” – the Arizona Republic’s Brandon Loomis runs the Colorado River from one end to the other painting a vibrant picture of everything at stake.
