Story perspectives

Proposed 40% Colorado River Cut Threatens Arizona Water Supply

5/16/2026

Center

Reclamation Proposes Cuts

The proposal could slash up to 40 % of Colorado River water supplies to Arizona, California and Nevada.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation offered a 10-year plan to cut deliveries by up to 3 million acre-feet per year.
Arizona water officials warned cuts could drop Central Arizona Project flows to zero, reviewed biennially.
The Army Corps of Engineers and Entergy Arkansas declined raising Remmel Dam’s flow, limiting recreation.

Left

Agencies Urge Funding

Western water agencies and conservation groups urged Congress to approve a near-term federal funding bridge for Colorado River infrastructure.
Congress is reviewing a plan applied under the 1922 Colorado River Compact that gives California the highest water priority.
Samantha Barncastle warned aging water infrastructure threatens farms, cities, ecosystems and rural economies without modernization.
Sara Porterfield emphasized investment must address tribal water users and ensure equitable conservation across sectors.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized potential 40% reduction in Colorado River deliveries to Arizona, California and Nevada, including possible zero flow for the Central Arizona Project.
Center coverage highlighted the Army Corps of Engineers and Entergy Arkansas decision not to increase summer flow from Remmel Dam, limiting Ouachita River recreation and hurting local tourism, which Left coverage gave less weight to.

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Reclamation Proposes Cuts

The proposal could slash up to 40 % of Colorado River water supplies to Arizona, California and Nevada.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation offered a 10-year plan to cut deliveries by up to 3 million acre-feet per year.
Arizona water officials warned cuts could drop Central Arizona Project flows to zero, reviewed biennially.
The Army Corps of Engineers and Entergy Arkansas declined raising Remmel Dam’s flow, limiting recreation.

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