Seven Western states relying on the Colorado River failed to reach an agreement on water conservation strategies for the second time, amid ongoing drought and water shortages. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo called for increased conservation efforts from upstream states like Colorado and New Mexico. They highlighted significant water conservation measures already taken by their states and emphasized that all basin states need to share responsibilities.
Colorado State Senator John Hickenlooper, who previously worked on the River Contingency Plan, stressed the urgency of a collective response to the crisis, warning that litigation won’t solve long-term water issues. John Entzminger from the Southern Nevada Water District expressed frustration with the stalled negotiations, underscoring that the already implemented conservation measures are aimed at protecting their regions against worsening conditions.
The population in these states, along with parts of Mexico, surpasses 40 million. The Colorado River is crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and electricity, but its water flows have been severely affected by drought, climate change, and historical overuse. Current negotiations have been ongoing for over two years, with looming federal intervention if no consensus is achieved, which could lead to legal disputes. Recent data show significant reductions in snow cover in the region, further complicating the water availability issues.
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