Federal water officials outlined key “necessary steps” on Wednesday for reaching an agreement by August 2026 on how to manage the Colorado River, which serves seven states and multiple tribes that rely on its water and hydropower. The Bureau of Reclamation’s Commissioner, Camille Calimlim Touton, presented four proposals and one “no action” alternative, but no recommendations or decisions were made regarding how the river’s water should be distributed. Instead, these steps are designed to offer flexibility for ongoing negotiations among the various stakeholders, including the Upper and Lower Basin states, and Native American tribes with water rights.
The Colorado River provides water to millions of people in cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas, and is critical for powering homes and irrigating crops. However, due to over 20 years of drought and the growing impacts of climate change, the legal agreements that govern the river’s distribution will expire in 2026, creating urgent pressure for all parties to agree on a new framework.
Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University, explained that the federal government’s proposed components from various plans aim to keep negotiations flexible, rather than immediately deciding on one approach. The alternatives outlined included options for improving delivery and storage capacity at key reservoirs, like Lake Powell and Lake Mead, and incorporating conservation efforts, though no new delivery mechanisms were proposed. Additionally, one option calls for a cooperative approach focused on preserving the integrity of the water system, while another combines elements from both the Upper and Lower Basins as well as Tribal proposals.
The “no action” alternative is included as a requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act, though it does not offer a viable solution for the river’s future management.
As Arizona’s negotiator Tom Buschatzke noted, there is still a significant gap between the positions of the Upper and Lower Basin states, with tribes like the Gila River Indian Community asserting their long-held water rights. Buschatzke acknowledged that some positive aspects existed in the proposals but emphasized the need for further review.
Democratic U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado expressed concerns about the urgency of the situation, urging a collaborative approach between the seven states to avoid prolonged litigation. “The only path forward is a collaborative, seven-state plan,” he said, warning against allowing the river to dry up while states resort to lawsuits.
The announcement comes at a crucial time, as the nation prepares for a transition of power, with former President Donald Trump likely to assume office in two weeks. Kyle Roerink of the Great Basin Water Network raised concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the river’s future management, calling for comprehensive curtailments, protections for tribes, and new strategies for outdated infrastructure.
While the leadership may change, Porter believes the ongoing involvement of key players across administrations could ensure continuity in the complex negotiations. The river’s future remains uncertain, but the federal government’s outlined steps aim to keep discussions moving forward before the looming 2026 deadline.