The Colorado River system, a lifeline for 40 million people across seven states, is in decline — as negotiations for water-sharing agreements approach a critical deadline.
The current guidelines governing use of the river expire in October of 2026, so decision-making should be ramping up for how Nevada and six other western states will share the essential water resource in the future.
Water negotiations still at impasse as levels decline at Lake Mead
In June, a top Interior Department official reportedly proposed a November 11th deadline for the states to release a draft agreement — or face a federal takeover of the decision-making process.
To better understand how the pending agreements impact our region, Channel 13 teamed up with our Scripps News Group member station in Phoenix, Arizona, to hear from the people who depend on this river and those sounding the alarm about its future.
Across state lines
Known as the nation’s “salad bowl,” Yuma County, Arizona, is home to more than 180,000 acres of farmland. The area produces 90% of America’s winter leafy greens…