Arizona Faces Continued Cuts in Colorado River Water Supply in 2024

Arizona Faces Continued Water Reductions Amid Persistent Drought Conditions

Arizona is poised to experience further reductions in its Colorado River water supply next year, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The longstanding drought afflicting the region shows little sign of abating.

Data from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center indicates that while snowpack levels were slightly below average, warmer temperatures prompted early melting and heightened evaporation rates. Additionally, overly dry soil absorbed much of the water, preventing it from reaching the river.

This has led to runoff levels from the winter snowfall falling significantly below typical averages. Furthermore, the variability in snowfall across different areas was not fully captured by the snowpack monitoring stations.

Official declarations regarding water shortages by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are made in August, and since 2020, both Arizona and Nevada have faced reductions in their Colorado River allocations.

However, the current rules governing water shortage sharing are set to expire at the end of this year, and the seven states within the Colorado River Basin have yet to finalize a new agreement.