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 negotiations open.This document will directly shape how Colorado River water is managed in the future. Tribal water rights, sovereignty, and protections for the river itself must be recognized in any final decision.
Lake Powell Chronicle – This piece outlines which players are involved in current negotiations and what each is seeking, including states, tribes, and federal agencies.Who is “at the table” determines whose rights and values are reflected in the final outcome. Tribal voices remain essential.
Tucson Sentinel – Despite recent storms and heavy rainfall in Phoenix, much of Arizona remains in long-term drought. Experts caution that short-term rain does not replenish groundwater or stabilize Colorado River supplies. Reinforces that reliance on weather alone will not protect tribal water rights or the river.
Arizona Water News – Arizona Department of Water Resources hydrologists are conducting field investigations across multiple basins to better understand groundwater use and conditions. Increased groundwater scrutiny reflects growing pressure as Colorado River supplies tighten, which can affect regional water demand and policy.
KLAS CBS 8 – Forces aligning against healthy snowpack for Colorado River states
Experts warn that warming temperatures, dry spells, and climate trends are working against the development of a healthy snowpack, threatening future river flows. Snowpack is the river’s primary source. Poor conditions upstream affect all downstream users.
Colorado Public Radio / The Hill – House fails to override Trump veto of Colorado water project
Lawmakers failed to override a presidential veto blocking a major Colorado water infrastructure project, leaving future water deliveries uncertain.Delays in infrastructure add pressure to existing Colorado River supplies.
Publicly Accessible Sources
- Bureau of Reclamation – Draft Post-2026 EIS
https://www.usbr.gov/ColoradoRiverBasin/post2026/draft-eis/index.html - Lake Powell Chronicle
https://lakepowellchronicle.com/stories/colorado-river-at-the-crossroads-whos-at-the-table-and-what-they-want,94901 - Tucson Sentinel
https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/010926_az_rainfall/arizona-drought-persists-despite-heavy-phoenix-rainfall/ - Arizona Water News
https://acom/2026/01/08/adwr_basinsweep_jan2026/ - KLAS CBS 8 Las Vegas
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/forces-aligning-against-healthy-snowpack-and-a-normal-water-supply-for-colorado-river-states/ - Colorado Public Radio
https://www.cpr.org/2026/01/08/house-trump-arkansas-valley-conduit-veto-override-fails/ - The Hill
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5679733-house-trump-veto-override-fails/