Colorado River Crisis: Lake Powell Dead Pool Risk and Yuma Water Future
Key Questions
What is the current capacity of Lake Powell?
Lake Powell is at 23.4% capacity and faces the risk of reaching dead pool by the Oct. 1 deadline. This could trigger major operational changes.
How might Colorado River cuts affect Yuma agriculture?
Looming cuts threaten Yuma's water supply, as Yuma growers are among the largest users. Cities in AZ, CA, and NM are conserving, but agriculture must also participate.
What is the federal government planning to release for the Colorado River?
The federal government will share its first Colorado River plan this week after three years of negotiations. It is expected to include major cuts and could lead to litigation.
Lake Powell at 23.4% capacity, facing dead pool by Oct 1 deadline. Cities in AZ, CA, NM conserve but agriculture must participate – Yuma growers are largest users. CAWCD approved new drainage wells and conservation agreements. Looming cuts threaten Yuma's water supply. Feds to share first Colorado River plan this week – major cuts and potential litigation ahead.