February 4, 2026 9:03 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
February 4, 2026 9:03 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ

Basin Brief January 28, 2026

KAWC Yuma Public Radio
As the federal deadline approaches, Colorado River stewards and water managers are openly debating which options remain viable to stabilize the river. Discussions now center on short-term operational changes, deeper conservation, and the possibility of federal intervention if states cannot agree.

Parker Pioneer
Local officials and residents raised concerns over proposed legislation that would allow groundwater transfers out of the McMullen Valley Basin, fearing it could accelerate depletion in western Arizona.

SignalsAZ
Queen Creek announced steps to secure its long-term water future through a mix of groundwater, imported water, and infrastructure investment.

NBC 9 News Denver / ABC4 Utah
Lawmakers and governors across the Basin are aligning legislative agendas around water security as negotiations intensify. Leaders acknowledge that compromise will be unavoidable.

Eurasia Review
An international analysis examines how climate change, overuse, and governance failures have pushed the Colorado River toward crisis, calling for coordinated action across jurisdictions.

Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources (Video)
Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke testified before lawmakers, outlining the seriousness of the Colorado River situation and the potential consequences if Basin states fail to reach agreement. He emphasized that Arizona remains highly vulnerable to deeper cuts under federal plans.

Colorado Sun
State water officials warn that drought forecasts and reservoir levels in Colorado are worse than previously expected, increasing urgency for action.

Sources – January 28, 2026

 

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