US imposes water cuts on three states amid Colorado River drought

The U.S. Department of the Interior has formalized mandatory water cuts for Arizona, California, and Nevada, the lower-basin states of the Colorado River, for 2027–2028. The plan, signed on August 21, requires a collective reduction of 1.25 million acre-feet (about 1.54 billion cubic meters) per year, with Arizona bearing the largest cut at 760,000 acre-feet, followed by California (440,000) and Nevada (50,000) Source: Infobae. The measure responds to a 26-year drought, overuse, and climate change that have driven Lakes Powell and Mead to their lowest levels in decades Source: Clarin. Mexico will also reduce its take by 250,000 acre-feet under a bilateral treaty Source: Diario Libre.

Reactions

Officials and negotiators welcomed the short-term certainty but stressed it is not a permanent fix. California's lead negotiator JB Hamby called it "a bridge, not a permanent solution" Source: Clarin. Arizona's Tom Buschatzke said the reductions provide "substantial stability" for 2027–2028 Source: Diario Libre. However, some criticize the lack of ambition. California Governor Gavin Newsom urged a long-term solution that shares responsibility equitably among all seven states Source: Milenio.

Indigenous and Mexican concerns

Indigenous communities, who hold significant water rights, feel marginalized. Rebecca Loudbear, attorney general of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, stated that their limited role "does not reflect the nature or extent of our rights" Source: Milenio. The cuts also affect Mexico, where agriculture will be hardest hit, as most water is used for irrigation Source: Milenio. Experts warn that the system faces seven critical months until spring snowmelt, with inflows expected below normal next year Source: Milenio.