"Earlier this year, several environmental groups sent a petition to the federal government with a seemingly simple message: Ensure that water from the imperiled Colorado River is not wasted and only being delivered for "reasonable" and "beneficial" uses. The organizations urged the Bureau of Reclamation to use its authority to curb water waste in the Lower Basin states: California, Arizona and Nevada. They argued it was necessary to help address the river's water shortages."
"The concept of reasonable and beneficial use is not new, but it's being discussed at a crucial moment. Chronic overuse, drought and rising temperatures linked to climate change have shrunk water flows. States reliant on the river are approaching a 2026 deadline to decide on new rules for sharing its supplies, and they have until mid-November to reach a preliminary agreement or risk federal intervention."
"The petitioning groups argue reducing water waste could help ensure the river has a sustainable future. But others worry cuts could bring hardship to farmers and consumers. The river supports 40 million people across seven U.S. states, two states in Mexico and Native American tribes."
Environmental groups petitioned the federal government to prevent waste of Colorado River water and require delivery only for reasonable, beneficial uses, urging the Bureau of Reclamation to act in Lower Basin states. Ongoing overuse, prolonged drought and rising temperatures have reduced river flows and reservoirs. Basin states face a 2026 deadline to set new sharing rules and a mid-November target for a preliminary agreement to avoid federal intervention. Advocates say cutting waste can help sustain the river, while opponents warn of hardships for farmers and consumers. The Bureau continues operating under existing rules and cites other strategies to reduce reservoir risk.
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