Overview
- The seven basin states face a Nov. 11 cutoff to present a consensus framework, with the Interior Department prepared to act if they fall short.
- Talks hinge on whether Upper Basin states accept mandatory reductions in dry years, as Lower Basin leaders insist all seven share cuts.
- Utah commissioner Gene Shawcroft reports steady progress toward broad alignment by Tuesday, with details to be refined through February and final plans due next October.
- Reservoirs remain deeply depleted, with Lake Mead about 31% full and Lake Powell roughly 29%, and research shows river flows have fallen sharply since 2000.
- Agriculture consumes about 80% of the river’s water, with paid fallowing and urban conservation featuring in proposals as the Bureau of Reclamation continues under acting leadership.