Basin Brief April 20, 2026
According to KJZZ, federal water managers are considering a short-term fix to protect Lake Powell while Colorado River negotiations continue. The Bureau of Reclamation is looking at releases from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah and Wyoming to help keep Lake Powell from dropping too low. If Lake Powell falls much further, Glen Canyon Dam could […]
Basin Brief April 9, 2026
According to West Valley View (Cronkite News), a proposed federal plan to divide Colorado River water is facing strong pushback from Arizona leaders and water officials. Critics argue the plan could unfairly shift more water cuts onto Lower Basin states, including Arizona, while not requiring equal reductions from Upper Basin states. The disagreement highlights ongoing […]
Basin Brief April 7, 2026
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, growing interest in building data centers in Yuma is raising concerns about water use and extreme heat. Data centers require large amounts of energy and, in many cases, water for cooling, which has led to questions about whether the region can support that kind of growth during ongoing drought […]
Basin Brief April 6. 2026
According to the Colorado Sun, advocates working to protect the Colorado River are exploring multiple strategies, including the concept of granting the river legal “personhood.” This approach would give the river legal rights, similar to a person, allowing it to be represented in court and better protected from overuse. Supporters believe this could strengthen environmental […]
Basin Brief April 7, 2026
According to KJZZ, Colorado River stakeholders have submitted thousands of public comments on the federal government’s proposed post-2026 water management plan. The feedback reflects widespread concern and competing priorities from states, water agencies, and Tribal Nations about how future shortages should be handled. The volume of responses shows how high the stakes are as federal […]
Basib Brief March 23, 2026
According to the Arizona Capitol Times, city officials across Arizona are warning that a proposed tax freeze could put future water infrastructure projects at risk. Local leaders say limiting revenue could reduce their ability to fund essential projects like water treatment, storage, and delivery systems. As Arizona faces increasing pressure from Colorado River shortages, investment […]
The Basin Brief March 20th, 2026
According to AZPM PBS, potential Colorado River cuts could significantly impact Tucson’s water supply, even though the city has built a more diversified system that includes groundwater and stored Colorado River water. Officials say Tucson is better prepared than some areas, but continued reductions would still require careful management and conservation efforts. The report highlights […]
Basin Brief March 25, 2026
According to ASU News, recent snow surveys conducted by Arizona State University and the Salt River Project show that much of Arizona’s headwater snowpack has melted within just a few weeks. Warmer temperatures caused snow to melt earlier than expected, reducing the amount of water that can slowly feed rivers over time. This rapid melt limits […]
Basin Briefs March 19th
According to the Arizona Capitol Times, cracks are beginning to show in Arizona’s previously unified position on Colorado River negotiations. Disagreements are emerging between state leaders and local communities over how water should be managed and protected as shortages worsen. Some regions, particularly rural areas, are pushing back against policies they believe prioritize urban growth […]
Basin Briefs March 18
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Yuma officials are preparing for possible Colorado River water cuts as negotiations over future river operations continue. Yuma, a major agricultural hub, depends heavily on Colorado River water, and local leaders say reductions could impact farming, jobs, and the regional economy. As federal and state officials work toward new […]