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Western States Miss Colorado River Water Agreement Deadline

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Seven western states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona, failed to meet a federal deadline for a Colorado River water-use agreement.
After two years of negotiations, the states could not reach consensus on how to share the river's diminishing water supply.
The deadline passed this past Saturday, leaving the agreement unresolved.
CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reported on the situation.

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Story summary

Seven western states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona, failed to meet a federal deadline for a Colorado River water-use agreement.
After two years of negotiations, the states could not reach consensus on how to share the river's diminishing water supply.
The deadline passed this past Saturday, leaving the agreement unresolved.
CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reported on the situation.