Independent researchers studying the Colorado River say the federal plan for reducing water deliveries to Arizona, California, and Nevada would force cutbacks on a scale the region has not faced before.
For Arizona communities that depend on the river — especially around Phoenix and Tucson — that could mean a much harder and more expensive path to keeping water flowing to homes and businesses.
Here’s what to know
The paper, as KJZZ reported, says the Lower Basin proposal would reduce supplies by about two-fifths a year from 2028 through 2036.
Arizona leaders had already worked out a shorter-term plan with cuts of about 20% for 2026 and 2027, but they remain deeply concerned about the steeper reductions that could follow…