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Reclamation Proposes 40% Colorado River Cut, States Offer Incentives

5/18/2026

41 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Bureau of Reclamation proposed a 10-year cut of 40% of Colorado River supplies.
Cuts would affect Arizona, California and Nevada.
Officials began releasing billions of gallons into Lake Powell to safeguard hydropower.
Arizona, California and Nevada unveiled a proposal to pay users to cut consumption.
The plan would cut use by 3 million acre-feet per year, be reviewed every two years and keep California priority under 1922 Colorado River Compact.

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Story summary

The Bureau of Reclamation proposed a 10-year cut of 40% of Colorado River supplies.
Cuts would affect Arizona, California and Nevada.
Officials began releasing billions of gallons into Lake Powell to safeguard hydropower.
Arizona, California and Nevada unveiled a proposal to pay users to cut consumption.
The plan would cut use by 3 million acre-feet per year, be reviewed every two years and keep California priority under 1922 Colorado River Compact.