Biden administration proposes sharp water cuts across Colorado River basin to avert crisis

Federal officials say drought and overuse have diminished water levels in two major reservoirs to historic lows and require involuntary reductions for states that depend on the river's supply.
Three options suggest cutting water allotments evenly across the lower basin states or following their order of priority in the water rights system.
The proposals would take effect in 2024 and force deeper cuts over time if river flows and water levels in Mead and Powell reservoirs continue to decline.
Farming regions, Western cities and tribes now have 45 days to weigh in before the Interior Department announces a final decision this summer on how to adjust releases from Hoover and Glen Canyon dams.