Federal officials said Tuesday they will ease water cuts for Western states reliant on the Colorado River next year thanks to a slightly improved outlook, but long-term challenges remain.
The river serves seven U.S. states, Native American tribes and two states in Mexico. It also supports a multibillion-dollar farm industry in the West and generates hydropower used across the region. Years of overuse by farms and cities, and the effects of drought worsened by climate change has meant much less water flows today through the Colorado River than in previous decades.
The cuts are based on previous agreements to keep Lake Mead, behind Hoover Dam outside Las Vegas from getting too low. The reservoir stores water for Arizona, Nevada, California and Mexico. The reductions are a return to what was announced in 2021, a “Tier 1” shortage. That means Arizona will see an 18% cut from its total Colorado River water allocation, down slightly from last year. The cuts announced Tuesday do not change anything for farmers in Arizona who have already lived with them for two years now. Cities and tribes will be spared, though some have already volunteered to cut back in exchange for federal money.
Earlier this year, Arizona, California and Nevada released a plan to conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet of water through 2026 in exchange for $1.2 billion from the federal government. An acre-foot of water is enough to serve two to three households annually. The Interior Department is expected to release its analysis of the proposal this fall.
The Gila River Indian Community in Arizona agreed in April with the U.S. government not to use some of its river water rights in return for $150 million and funding for a pipeline project. The tribe gets Colorado River water through the same aqueduct system that delivers river water to Arizona’s major cities.
Instead, they have either turned to groundwater or given up — as much as half the farmland has gone unplanted in the past two years, estimated Brian Yerges, general manager of the Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District, which serves the region.Western residents are unlikely to feel the effect of Tuesday's announcement. In Arizona, Phoenix's water supply didn't diminish when the state's supply was cut because other sources compensated.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
2024 Aston Martin DB12 Volante, 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53: Car News HeadlinesAn Aston Martin convertible, AMG's first take on the new E-Class, and a new Pininfarina all made headlines today.
Consulte Mais informação »
Taking Stock of Ohio State‘s 2024 Recruiting Class and Who the Buckeyes Could Still AddWith 20 commitments in the 2024 class, Ohio State has filled most of its needs on the recruiting trail but still has spots to fill at several positions.
Consulte Mais informação »
Arizona Ballot Measure in 2024 Elections Could Protect Abortion Rights by Amending State ConstitutionThe Arizona Abortion Access Act would place a constitutional amendment on abortion rights on Arizona’s November 2024 general election ballot.
Consulte Mais informação »
Nevada Republicans announce 2024 state presidential caucus dateThe Nevada Republican Party announced on Monday that the GOP presidential caucuses for the Silver State are scheduled for Feb. 8.
Consulte Mais informação »
In photos: 2024 candidates test their grilling and stumping skills at the Iowa State FairThe Iowa State Fair kicked off last week, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. Several presidential candidates attended, as they made their pitch to voters in the Hawkeye State, which will play an important role in the trajectory of the GOP primary.
Consulte Mais informação »
Federal officials plan to announce 2024 cuts along the Colorado River. Here's what to expectFederal officials this week are expected to ease water cuts for Western states reliant on the Colorado River next year.
Consulte Mais informação »