Basin Brief January 12, 2026
Several outlets reported on the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which outlines how the Colorado River could be managed after current rules expire in 2026. The draft lays out five possible management alternatives for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including options where the federal government steps in if […]
Basin Brief January 9, 2026
Bureau of Reclamation – The Bureau of Reclamation released its long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement outlining potential strategies for managing Lake Powell and Lake Mead after 2026, when current operating guidelines expire. The draft presents multiple alternatives, including scenarios where the federal government steps in if Basin states fail to reach agreement. No preferred alternative has been selected yet, keeping […]
Basin Brief January 6, 2026
KGUN 9 Tucson – Group urges Sahuarita to review Hudbay groundwater agreement Community advocates are calling for closer review of groundwater agreements tied to mining operations, citing long-term water security concerns. Cave Creek/Carefree Independent – Water at the forefront of Tuesday meetings Local leaders are increasingly focused on water planning as development and supply concerns grow. Santa Rosa Press Democrat – California’s largest […]
Basin Brief January 5, 2026
KJZZ – Arizona water chiefs report movement in Colorado River talks, potential Lake Powell protections Arizona water leaders say there is some movement in long-stalled Colorado River negotiations, including discussions around protecting critical elevations at Lake Powell. While no agreement has been reached, officials describe cautious progress as pressure mounts ahead of post-2026 management decisions. Mohave Valley Daily News – Arizona bill […]
Basin Brief December 31st
As 2025 came to a close and 2026 began, water issues across Arizona and the Colorado River Basin remained front and center. New reporting highlighted continued uncertainty around Colorado River negotiations, growing concern over snowpack levels, and major developments in local groundwater and community water planning. Local Groundwater and Community Water Planning In western Arizona, the Parker Pioneer reports that an Active Management Area is being proposed for the Ranegras […]
Colorado River and Regional Water Updates | December 30, 2025
By Ariana Romero Reporter, CRIT Media As 2025 comes to a close, new reporting shows Colorado River negotiations narrowing toward what many leaders describe as a final window for agreement, while local water solutions and long-term risks continue to take shape across the Southwest. ABC15 Arizona reports that Colorado River states may only have one […]
Colorado River and Regional Water Updates | December 26
As the year comes to a close, new reporting underscores how unresolved negotiations, worsening climate impacts, and continued growth are colliding across the Colorado River Basin. The Lake Havasu News-Herald reports that federal officials are demanding compromise from Basin states as water shortages deepen. Despite repeated warnings, states remain divided, prompting stronger signals that the […]
Personhood Status Protects The Life Of The Colorado River
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Council has made a historic decision to protect the lifeblood of their Reservation. On November 6, 2025, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. R-375-25, which proclaims the personhood status of the Colorado River under tribal law. This resolution acknowledges the Colorado River as a living entity whose health and […]
Colorado River Talks Stall, Arizona Calls for Federal Action
News Update November 12, 2025 Negotiations over the future of the Colorado River have reached a standstill after all seven basin states failed to meet a key federal deadline. Reports from 12News and 8NewsNow confirm that the states were unable to agree on a new water-sharing plan, leaving the situation unresolved as the river continues […]