The “Bathtub Ring” shows the water trails of Lake Mead, once along the Nevada-Arizona border, near Boulder City, Nevada, March 6, 2023.Nearly Half of Western US Has Recovered from Drought, but Severe Water Problems Continue, Scientist Says | Photo Credit: John Locher, Associated Press, St. George News

Las Vegas (AP) — A public process to restructure how the Colorado River water is distributed began Thursday, as federal officials ruled to continue providing hydropower, drinking water and irrigation to farms, cities and tribes in seven western U.S. states. and promised to collect comments on the 2027 enactment. Including Utah and Mexico.

The U.S. Department of the Interior on Friday called for the federal government to replace guidelines set to expire in 2026, including a 2007 agreement to share among states the reduction in water withdrawals from rivers reduced by drought and climate change. announced that it would be published in the Official Gazette. Operational plans for major Lake Powell and Lake Mead reservoirs.

An agreement between the United States and Mexico on the use of Colorado River water is also due to expire at that time.

The Department’s Office of U.S. Development promised a “robust and transparent disclosure process” from online virtual public meetings on July 17, 18 and 24. The agency has set an Aug. 15 deadline for public comments on “specific operational guidelines, strategies, and policies.” Other issues to consider. ”

The results are expected to guide federal management of dams that control river flow throughout the Colorado River Basin, from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California.

Dating back to 1922, agreements involving the federal government and the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming promised to provide users with more water than the river could hold. there is Native American tribes along the river claim that they are not involved in water use decisions.

“The Bureau of Reclamation is committed to ensuring that we have the tools and strategies in place to navigate the next era of the Colorado River Basin, especially in conditions of ongoing drought,” said Director Camille Karimrim Touton. .

At 1,450 miles long, the river is a vital source of electricity and water for more than 40 million people living in cities such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles and Phoenix. But it’s agriculture that uses the most water, including farms in California’s arid Imperial Valley region and Yuma County, Arizona, and produces many of the nation’s winter vegetables.

“New operational guidelines for Lakes Powell and Lake Mead will be jointly developed based on the best available science for the next few years across the basins,” Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Boudreau said in a statement. ‘ said.

“The basin is now facing a historic drought due to climate change, increasing the likelihood of continued warmer temperatures and low runoff, resulting in reduced water availability across the region. ‘ said the statement.

The announcement follows a landmark interim agreement announced last month by water managers in Arizona, Nevada, and California, which will replace the dwindling Colorado River in exchange for funding from the U.S. government. It is intended to reduce the combined use of and to avoid federal decision or enforcement. cut.

By Ken Ritter, Associated Press

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