The four Upper Basin governors – Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming – issued a joint statement celebrating the U.S. Department of the Interior’s recent decision to exempt their states from the federally mandated water cuts that will affect the Lower Basin states of California, Nevada and Arizona.
Federal decision and regional impact
In a Final Environmental Impact Statement released in late July, the Interior Department concluded that the Upper Basin would not be required to implement mandatory reductions for the 2027‑2028 water year. The agency’s Record of Decision, issued in August, confirmed that the Upper Basin states are spared, while the Lower Basin will face cuts of up to 3 million acre‑feet per year – roughly half of their combined 7.5 million‑acre‑foot allocation.
Governor Joe Lombardo of Nevada, a Republican, immediately sued the department, arguing that the Upper Basin has not offered its own solutions. “We’ve already shown that we’re willing to do our part, but the Colorado River is a shared resource, so the solution needs to involve everybody,” Lombardo said, adding that Nevada is prepared to fight for a fair share.
Upper Basin leaders call for continued talks
In their statement, the Upper Basin governors emphasized that “the water supply realities of the Basin cannot be ignored or papered over.” They urged ongoing good‑faith negotiations and a seven‑state agreement that would deliver the best outcome for all water users in the Colorado River Basin.
“States in both the Upper and Lower divisions of the basin are feeling the pain of severe drought,” the governors wrote. “This is a reality that all states, and the federal government, will need to address practically.”
Local water restrictions persist
Even without mandatory cuts, Upper Basin residents face severe drought conditions. In Colorado, Denver Water announced that lawn watering for its 1.5 million customers will end on Oct. 1, with the restriction expected to last through the spring. Customers had already been limited to two watering days per week and will still be allowed limited hand‑watering.
“If you are the only one on your block with a lush green lawn, you might want to revisit your watering practices, as your overuse is compounding the impacts of this historic drought on our water storage supplies,” said Greg Fisher, Denver Water’s manager of demand planning.
Snowpack levels in Colorado peaked low and early this year, leaving reservoirs at 71 % of capacity as of Aug. 31, well below the 93 % average for the same date. Utah’s Department of Natural Resources reported that state reservoirs were at 52 % capacity on Aug. 27, about 15 % below the historical average.
Looking ahead
The Upper Basin states will monitor winter precipitation for potential relief to depleted reservoirs while continuing negotiations with the Lower Basin. All parties acknowledge that a durable, collaborative agreement is essential to preserve the Colorado River for future generations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
