Issues We're Facing
Colorado River Shortage
Levels at Lake Mead are rapidly dropping, in part, because the water stored in this reservoir is over allocated to the states that share it. This puts the stability of the Colorado River system and reliability of Arizona’s Colorado River supplies at risk.
What is going on with the Colorado River?
While a final decision has not yet been made, the federal government has indicated it will require the three Lower Basin States (Arizona, California, and Nevada) to stop using significantly less Colorado River water (up to 3 million acre-feet) to protect the river’s infrastructure from worsening conditions. The cuts that the US Bureau of Reclamation intends to impose will first impact Arizona because the Central Arizona Project (CAP), which delivers Colorado River water to Phoenix and Tucson communities, holds junior priority to other Colorado River users. In other words, the federal government is willing to allow CAP water deliveries to be significantly reduced, or even to let the canal go completely dry, depending on how severe conditions become on the Colorado River.
Here in Arizona, we have always approached desert water management with discipline and foresight, and that foundation is exactly what the AMWUA cities are building on now to prepare for less Colorado River water. These efforts involve investing in innovative solutions for long-term water security and building new habits to intentionally reduce water use, both of which require support from residents and businesses. Together, we can ensure a shortage on the river does not mean a shortage at your tap.
Lake Mead
Less water flows into Lake Mead than is taken from it— about 1.2 million acre-feet less annually. The result is a “structural deficit” that causes Lake Mead’s elevation to drop about 12 feet every year, drought or no drought.
Current Efforts
How the Cities are Preparing for Less
While a final decision has not yet been made, the federal government has indicated it will require the three Lower Basin States (Arizona, California, and Nevada) to stop using significantly less Colorado River water (up to 3 million acre-feet) to protect the river’s infrastructure from worsening conditions. The cuts that the US Bureau of Reclamation intends to impose will first impact Arizona because the Central Arizona Project (CAP), which delivers Colorado River water to Phoenix and Tucson communities, holds junior priority to other Colorado River users. In other words, the federal government is willing to allow CAP water deliveries to be significantly reduced, or even to let the canal go completely dry, depending on how severe conditions become on the Colorado River.
Here in Arizona, we have always approached desert water management with discipline and foresight, and that foundation is exactly what the AMWUA cities are building on now to prepare for less Colorado River water. These efforts involve investing in innovative solutions for long-term water security and building new habits to intentionally reduce water use, both of which require support from residents and businesses. Together, we can ensure a shortage on the river does not mean a shortage at your tap.
Lake Mead
Levels at Lake Mead continue to decline due to to historic drought, hotter and drier conditions, and more water being used than nature can supply
Cities are Already Acting
The Colorado River is in crisis, and the severity is greater than initially expected. What matters most is that our cities are ready and have a plan to keep your tap flowing.
- Each city has a unique combination of water supplies, including surface, recycled, and groundwater, so each one will feel the impact of this Colorado River shortage in its own way.
What you can do
Your Role in Arizona's Water Future
Living in the desert means water is vital for everything. We've faced challenges before and are prepared to face them again, but everyone must do their part – by using less water, supporting your city’s initiatives that strengthen water security, and staying informed about local efforts to build a resilient Arizona for all of us.