As the Colorado River Basin faces unprecedented challenges, it’s crucial for the seven basin states and tribal nations to come together and forge a consensus-driven solution for the river’s future management. With the current operating guidelines set to expire in 2026, the time is now for stakeholders to redouble their efforts in crafting a balanced, long-term plan that includes equal participation from both the Upper and Lower Basin states.

The stark divisions that have emerged among the basin states in recent negotiations underscore the complexity of the issue. However, these differences should not be seen as insurmountable obstacles, but rather as opportunities to find innovative compromises that benefit the entire region.

The Interior Department has set a clear deadline: a new operating plan must be in place by August 2026. This plan will be critical in defining water allocations for both the Upper and Lower Basin, guiding future management, and safeguarding against the need for short-term fixes. Continuing the adoption of temporary measures, as the Interior Department has done over the past year is not a long-term solution.

It’s essential to recognize that any viable alternative must comply with the Colorado River Compact, particularly regarding water deliveries from the Upper Basin to the Lower Basin and Mexico. However, this requirement should not preclude the possibility of compromise among the states.

Projections indicate that water deliveries could fall below the mandated minimum by 2027, revealing the weight of the 1922 Colorado River Compact on future operational requirements. If the Upper Basin is unwilling to come to the table with a commitment to do more than voluntary conservation, that would potentially trigger a “compact call,” allowing the Lower Basin states to demand the Upper Basin to deliver 7.5 million acre-feet of water per year over a ten-year average, as stipulated in the 1922 Colorado River Compact.

Clearly, a negotiated agreement among all seven states is in the best interest of everyone.

This situation underscores the urgency of finding collaborative solutions to manage the Colorado River’s dwindling resources and highlights the complex interplay between upper and lower basin states in water allocation decisions.