Arizona, Nevada, California taking less water from the Colorado River
1/7/2022 12:00:00 AM
CATEGORIES:
Energy
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
California
Nevada
Start Date: 11/20/2021
- End Date: 12/31/2023
Water authorities from Arizona, Nevada and California signed the 500+ Plan on Dec. 15, voluntarily offering to reduce the share of water to be taken from the Colorado River to keep Lake Mead fuller. The plan is that the states will take 500,000 acre-feet less in 2022 and 2023, depending on water usage and conservation in the area, with the aim of averting mandatory cuts in the near future. States must also make a financial investment amounting to $40 million from Arizona, and $20 million each from Nevada, California and the Central Arizona Project, which operates a canal system that delivers Colorado River water in Arizona. The federal government would match the funding, for a total of $200 million.
Associated Press News (New York), Dec 14, 2021
Phoenix is voluntarily contributing water as part of a regional “500+ Plan” to support Lake Mead and postpone more water shortages. The plan has not yet been finalized, but Arizona, Nevada and California will contribute water and funds over the next two years.
Associated Press News (New York), Jan 7, 2022
Sources
