On July 31, 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation proposed steep mandatory water cuts for Arizona, California, and Nevada over the next decade as the Colorado River faces its worst drought since 1957, with reservoirs at historically low levels.
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Arizona, California and Nevada would take less water from the Colorado River under a federal proposal to stave off a crisis in the river.
A federal plan would impose drastic water cuts on Arizona, California and Nevada in dry years over the next decade. A legal battle could follow.
Arizona, California and Nevada would share cuts under federal proposal to manage the Colorado River AP News
US proposes deep Colorado River water cuts for Arizona, California, Nevada Reuters
The proposal comes as the river faces a historic water shortage, with reservoirs reaching levels not seen since 1957.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation proposal spares four other states from facing mandatory cuts for now.