Overview
- The seven basin states did not deliver a consensus framework by the Nov. 11 deadline and instead issued a brief joint statement citing "collective progress."
- The Interior Department and Bureau of Reclamation indicated they prefer a state-led deal but may act if needed, a move experts say could trigger litigation and slow conservation.
- The central impasse persists over how to share mandatory reductions between Lower Basin states (California, Arizona, Nevada) and Upper Basin states (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico), including releases from Lake Powell.
- Reservoir conditions remain strained, with Lake Mead about 31% full and Lake Powell about 29%, as studies show the basin’s flow has dropped roughly 20% since 2000.
- Talks will continue alongside a federal environmental review, with draft post-2026 operating options expected in December and final details required by mid-2026 for implementation in October 2026.