The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for post-2026 operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Tucson Water is reviewing the document and evaluating its potential implications for Tucson’s Colorado River supplies and long-term water planning. Initial indicators are that the FEIS is generally in alignment with the city’s expectations and the city’s water supply remains resilient for the long term.
The FEIS identifies a preferred alternative consisting of a 10-year decision framework for Colorado River operations through 2036. The framework establishes operating principles, limits, and a process for developing operating guidelines, generally in two-year intervals. It does not yet formally establish the specific operating guidelines or water-delivery reductions for 2027 and 2028…