ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona leaders call out California on Colorado River water negotiations

Feb 1, 2023, 1:00 PM
The Colorado River Basin supplies water to 40 million people in seven western states. (Photo by Jus...
The Colorado River Basin supplies water to 40 million people in seven western states. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

PHOENIX – Arizona politicians are calling for more cooperation from California in negotiations over Colorado River water supply distribution.

California is in conflict with six other Western states, including Arizona, over a model to cut Colorado River Basin water use.

“Every state needs to come to the table and be part of a basin-wide solution,” Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said in a press release Tuesday.

“It’s unacceptable for Arizona to do the heavy lifting without meaningful cooperation from California, the largest user of water from the Colorado River.”

Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming sent a letter Monday to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation that outlines a plan that builds on existing guidelines, deepens water cuts and factors in water that’s lost through evaporation and transportation.

California released a competing proposal the next day. It was based on the elevation of Lake Mead, a key reservoir, but didn’t take into account evaporation losses that would mean big cuts for the Golden State.

“The announcement of the proposed collaborative approach to reach a fair, workable and lasting solution to our water crisis represents a positive step in the right direction, and I’m grateful for Arizona’s leadership on the drought proposal,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an independent, said in a statement.

“Now, it’s time for California to help solve the water crisis and be an equal partner.”

The competing plans came in response to the Bureau of Reclamation asking the states that rely on the Colorado River to detail how they would use between 15% and 30% less water.

All seven states missed a deadline last August.

California has the largest allocation of water among the states that tap the Colorado River. It is also among the last to face water cuts in times of shortage because of its senior water rights.

“While many of the states have worked together to reach an agreement that works for everyone, California refuses to do its part—and in some parts of the state is using more water, not less,” Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton said in a statement Monday.

“The Bureau of Reclamation must take action on this consensus-driven proposal. We cannot wait any longer.”

Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, said Tuesday that water managers across the basin couldn’t reach agreement with California on cuts, even at the broader state level.

“The big issues are what does the priority system mean, what does the junior priority mean and how does that attach to that outcome of who takes what cut?” he said. “That was the issue over the summer, that was the issue over the fall, that’s still the issue.”

JB Hamby, chair of the Colorado River Board of California, said his state’s model is practical, based on voluntary action, and aligns with law governing the river and the hierarchy of water rights.

Failure to reach a consensus carries the risk of having the federal government alone determine how to eventually impose cuts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Pxhere Photo)...
KTAR.com

1 person critically wounded in shooting outside Scottsdale nightclub

One person was critically wounded in a shooting Sunday night at an Old Town Scottsdale nightclub, authorities said.
10 hours ago
(Facebook Photo/Arizona Board of Regents)...
Griselda Zetino

Arizona public universities team up to research police, firefighter staffing shortages

Arizona’s three public universities are teaming up to help police and fire departments across the state to solve staffing shortages.
10 hours ago
(Facebook Photo/BoyBee Extreme Tactical Shop)...
SuElen Rivera

Arizona man charged for possessing 2 unregistered machine guns

A man in southern Arizona was arrested and charged for possessing two unregistered machine gun conversion devices, authorities said Sunday. 
10 hours ago
Mamamoo attends the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards(MAMA) at Nagoya Dome on December 4, 2019 in Nagoya...
KTAR.com

K-pop group Mamamoo coming to Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale this May

Popular K-pop band Mamamoo will stop by Glendale's Desert Diamond Arena as part of its “MY CON” tour in May.
10 hours ago
Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari speaks at the unveiling of a mural to honor Iranian women titled...
Jack Wu | Cronkite News

Phoenix council member Yassamin Ansari pushes for climate action, sustainable energy

As a Phoenix City Council member and vice mayor, Yassamin Ansari says true progress toward a sustainable future starts at the local level.
10 hours ago
(Twitter Photo/@NWSFlagstaff)...
KTAR.com

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from March 24-26

Northern Arizona could be hit with more snow, a missing woman was found dead in Mexico and six people were arrested for mailing fentanyl.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...
Quantum Fiber

How high-speed fiber internet edges out cable for everyday use

In a world where technology drives so much of our daily lives, a lack of high-speed internet can be a major issue.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Prep the plumbing in your home just in time for the holidays

With the holidays approaching, it's important to know when your home is in need of heating and plumbing updates before more guests start to come around.
(Photo via MLB's Arizona Fall League / Twitter)...
Arizona Fall League

Top prospects to watch at this year’s Arizona Fall League

One of the most exciting elements of the MLB offseason is the Arizona Fall League, which began its 30th season Monday.
Arizona leaders call out California on Colorado River water negotiations