Composite story
Interior orders Colorado River cuts for Arizona, California, and Nevada
Doug Burgum signed 2027–28 guidelines cutting Lower Basin use by 1.25 million acre-feet a year. Arizona takes the largest share. Upper Basin states face no mandate; Arizona has threatened to sue over deeper cuts later.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Friday signed two-year Colorado River operating guidelines that require Arizona, California, and Nevada to cut a combined 1.25 million acre-feet a year in 2027 and 2028. If the states’ May sharing deal holds, Arizona would give up 760,000 acre-feet, California 440,000, and Nevada 50,000. Mexico is to reduce 250,000 acre-feet. Upper Basin states face no mandatory cuts. The plan allows much deeper cuts after 2028; Arizona has threatened to sue. Lake Powell sat near 3,519 feet, close to the Glen Canyon hydropower minimum.
Disputed facts
None yet.
Shared opinions
None yet.
Disputed opinions
None yet.
U.S. Announces Colorado River Cuts for 3 States Amid Drought
21 Aug 2026
Facts
Arizona’s negotiator said the state would rely heavily on banked groundwater.
Interior said it would keep working with states to find consensus.
Opinion
The cuts aim to stabilize a system on the verge of collapse from climate change and overuse.
US imposes deep Colorado River water cuts to California, Nevada and Arizona
21 Aug 2026
Facts
Cuts could nearly double in later years under the plan Burgum signed.
Arizona has threatened to sue if post-2028 cuts double.
Lake Powell sat at 3,519.2 feet, less than 30 feet above the Glen Canyon hydropower minimum.
Opinion
No opinion marked.
Federal officials announce water cuts as Colorado River supplies continue to plunge
22 Aug 2026
Facts
Mexico will reduce its intake by 250,000 acre-feet under a U.S.–Mexico treaty.
Interior’s Andrea Travnicek said the basin has been in a 26-year drought.
Arizona’s Tom Buschatzke said the 2027–28 reductions will provide substantial stability.
Opinion
No opinion marked.
Colorado River crisis: Lower basin braces for massive federal water cuts
22 Aug 2026
Facts
The cuts will hit hardest in the Tucson and Phoenix areas.
Phoenix-area cities have seen these cuts coming for years.
Opinion
No opinion marked.
Feds release Colorado River plan. Here's how much Arizona will lose
21 Aug 2026
Facts
California will lose 440,000 acre-feet a year.
Nevada will lose 50,000 acre-feet.
Opinion
No opinion marked.