Basin Brief February 12, 2026
According to Arizona Water News, Arizona water leaders recently received a briefing from the governor’s office, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, and the Central Arizona Project on ongoing Colorado River negotiations as a federal deadline approaches. Officials discussed current drought conditions, possible future cutbacks, and the importance of coordinated state and federal planning to […]
Basin Brief February 11, 2026
According to KJZZ News, potential Colorado River cutbacks could increase operating costs for Arizona water utilities and even affect their credit ratings, which utilities rely on to fund infrastructure projects. Analysts say uncertainty around long-term river supplies makes financial planning more difficult and could raise costs tied to water treatment, delivery, and conservation investments. These […]
Basin Brief February 10, 2026
According to KJZZ News, the Colorado River Basin is experiencing one of its driest winters in decades, with snowpack levels far below average in key areas that supply water to Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Scientists warn that reduced snowpack could lead to lower river flows this year, increasing pressure on already strained reservoirs and […]
Basin Brief February 9, 2026
According to KJZZ News, Colorado River negotiators may be leaning toward a short-term agreement as states remain divided on a long-term plan for managing the river before current operating rules expire. Ongoing drought, climate pressures, and disagreements between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states have stalled progress, and some officials believe a temporary deal could […]
Basin Brief January 29th and 30th 2026
End of January 2026 Axios Phoenix Governor Katie Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials and other Basin state governors as the deadline to reach a Colorado River agreement approaches. Arizona is pushing to avoid deeper mandatory cuts that would heavily affect Central Arizona Project deliveries. Colorado Sun Colorado Governor Jared Polis […]
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 […]
Basin Brief January 26, 2026
January 26, 2026 ABC15 Arizona The Central Arizona Project’s general manager warned that deeper Colorado River cuts would have severe impacts across Arizona, affecting municipal supplies, agriculture, and long-term planning. Officials stressed that Arizona is particularly vulnerable because CAP deliveries are among the first reduced during shortages. Lake Havasu News Herald Arizona lawmakers are weighing […]
Basin Brief January 23, 2026
Federal officials again summoned governors from all seven Colorado River Basin states to Washington, D.C., signaling growing concern that negotiations remain stuck. Reports indicate the federal government is preparing to step in more forcefully if states cannot agree on near-term shortage management and a longer-term framework. Governor Katie Hobbs is escalating efforts to restrict groundwater […]
Arizona Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Key ADWR Initiatives
Arizona Budget Proposal Includes Major Funding for Colorado River Protection On January 16, 2026, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) shared details of Governor Katie Hobbs’ FY 2027 Executive Budget Proposal focused on preparing for long-term challenges facing the Colorado River. The plan includes new and expanded funding aimed at strengthening water security across […]
Basin Brief January 13, 2026
Arizona announced new groundwater management rules for parts of La Paz County, expanding oversight in an area long known for unregulated pumping. The move follows increased scrutiny of agricultural water use and reflects a broader push to protect groundwater supplies as Colorado River shortages continue. La Paz County lies within CRIT’s region. Stronger groundwater rules help prevent over-pumping that can undermine surface water […]