Basin Brief March 17, 2026
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media 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 […]
Basin Brief March 16
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media According to the Arizona Mirror, rural Arizona residents are pushing back against a proposed bill that would allow a hedge fund to transport and sell groundwater from rural areas to cities like Phoenix. Opponents argue the measure could drain local water supplies and remove control from the communities that depend on […]
Basin Brief March 12, 2026
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), the February 2026 drought status report shows ongoing drought conditions across much of Arizona, with long-term dryness continuing to impact water supplies. While some areas have seen minor improvements, snowpack and precipitation levels remain below average in key regions that help feed […]
Basin Briefs March 11, 2026
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media According to 12News (KPNX), the Central Arizona Project (CAP) is warning that Arizona could face up to $2.7 trillion in economic losses under a worst-case Colorado River management scenario. CAP officials say severe water reductions could impact agriculture, housing development, and overall economic growth across the state. The Colorado River is […]
Basin Brief March 6, 2026
According to KOLD News 13, ongoing debates over how Colorado River water should be allocated could have major consequences for Arizona farmers. Agriculture relies heavily on Colorado River water, particularly through deliveries from the Central Arizona Project. If deeper cuts are implemented under new federal operating guidelines, many agricultural operations could face significant reductions in […]
Basin Brief March 4, 2026
According to KJZZ, Arizona water officials are pushing back against a draft federal proposal that would guide how the Colorado River is managed after 2026. Leaders from Arizona’s water agencies say the proposal could unfairly shift more water reductions onto Lower Basin states like Arizona. The plan is part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s process […]
Basin Brief March 3, 2026
According to KTAR News, decisions being made about the future management of the Colorado River will have major consequences for Arizona’s water supply. State leaders say upcoming federal decisions on post-2026 river operations could determine how much water Arizona receives during future shortages. The Colorado River supplies water to millions of people across the Southwest […]
Basin Brief March 2, 2026
According to 12News (KPNX), Arizona leaders say the state is approaching a critical moment as Colorado River negotiations continue and water cutbacks remain likely. Officials described the situation as a crossroads, warning that the next few years will require difficult decisions about conservation, water use, and long-term planning. The looming reductions stem from ongoing negotiations […]
Basin Brief February 20th
According to KJZZ News, environmental groups are warning of serious long-term impacts to the Colorado River system after negotiators missed another deadline to finalize future water management rules. Advocates say declining reservoir levels, ongoing drought, and delayed agreements could increase pressure on ecosystems, agriculture, and water supplies across the Southwest. The warnings highlight growing urgency […]
Basin Brief February 19, 2026
According to Arizona Water News, Arizona and its Lower Basin partners say they remain committed to finding common ground on new Colorado River operating rules despite stalled negotiations among the seven basin states. Officials emphasized continued collaboration with federal agencies and neighboring states to stabilize water supplies beyond 2026 as drought conditions persist. The effort […]