Arizona Threatens Lawsuit Over Federal Colorado River Water Plan

The United States Bureau of Reclamation has implemented a 10-year drought management framework for the Colorado River basin after seven states failed to reach a consensus on water sharing. The plan prioritizes maintaining water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the continued generation of hydropower, valued at approximately $443 million annually. To sustain these reservoirs, the Bureau will release water from the Navajo, Blue Mesa, and Flaming Gorge reservoirs.

Arizona leaders are threatening to sue the federal government, arguing the plan violates the 1922 Colorado River Compact. The framework allows the federal government to impose mandatory reductions of up to 3 million acre-feet—roughly 40% of combined annual allotments—on Arizona, Nevada, and California every two years for a decade. Arizona faces the steepest losses, potentially losing most of its water from the Central Arizona Project.

While the plan targets downstream states, it acknowledges limited federal authority to restrict water use in headwater states. Consequently, Wyoming is proceeding with the construction of the West Fork dam and reservoir in Carbon County. Experts warn that the lack of regional consensus may lead to a compact call in the United States Supreme Court, where Lower Basin states demand water deliveries they claim the Upper Basin is obligated to provide.