Federal Officials Announce Colorado River Water Reductions for Southwest States

Why it matters locally: Although not directly named in the initial reductions, Utah is one of the seven Colorado River Basin states and will be impacted by any long-term management decisions regarding the river's diminishing water supply.

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Federal officials have announced new water use reductions for three Southwest states drawing from the Colorado River. Under a plan from the Bureau of Reclamation, California, Nevada, and Arizona will collectively decrease their water consumption by 1.25 million acre-feet annually. These reductions will remain in effect for the next two years. Authorities indicated that conditions could necessitate further cuts beyond this initial period.