California’s largest water districts presented a new framework on Tuesday to manage the dwindling Colorado River water supply. The proposal includes a commitment to conserve 440,000 acre-feet of water annually, enough for 1.5 million households each year. The announcement comes after the seven western states missed a federal deadline last month to submit a preliminary plan for the river’s future operations.
The talks continued during the Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas. California holds the largest share of Colorado River water. It also enjoys senior water rights, giving the state priority access, even in drought conditions. JB Hamby, the Colorado River Board of California chairman, emphasized California’s crucial role. He noted that the state’s agriculture is the largest in the basin, and it serves half of those dependent on the river.
With help from federal funding, California has made strides in water conservation. The state plans to cap water use at 3.76 million acre-feet in 2025, which would be the lowest since 1949. Hamby said the state will conserve more than 600,000 acre-feet by year-end, proving that further cuts are possible.
Earlier, California, Nevada, and Arizona committed to reducing their water use by 3 million acre-feet by 2026. California took the biggest share, agreeing to conserve 1.6 million acre-feet in Lake Mead by 2026. By 2023, the state had already saved 1.2 million acre-feet and is ahead of schedule.
Wade Crowfoot, California’s Natural Resources Secretary, stressed the importance of a seven-state agreement. He warned that without a unified plan, the states might face federal intervention or litigation. He added, “We’re not focused on sound bites. We’re working on solutions.”
California’s proposal includes compromises, such as releasing water from Lake Powell based on hydrology and adjusting water distribution in the Lower Basin states during shortages. However, California insists that all states, including Mexico, must contribute fairly to conservation efforts.
The proposal also calls for mandatory water cuts for all seven states during dry years. This has faced opposition from the Upper Basin states—Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. California also supports interstate water exchanges to fund new water supply projects.
The plan advocates for expanding water storage in both Lake Mead and reservoirs in the Upper Basin. This would provide flexibility for water users in case of unexpected changes in the river’s hydrology.
California’s largest water user, the Imperial Irrigation District, is also expected to reach its highest annual water savings in 2025. Through conservation programs, the district has reduced water use by 22%. By 2026, the district aims to conserve 800,000 acre-feet, enough to raise Lake Mead by 11 feet.
Other California water districts have also joined the conservation effort. The Palo Verde Irrigation District plans to conserve 117,000 acre-feet by paying farmers to leave fields empty. The Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe has saved 13,000 acre-feet for Lake Mead. The Coachella Valley Water District used a $39 million grant to expand its Thermal Water Reclamation Plant, saving 33,600 acre-feet of water over the next 30 years.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has received nearly $160 million from the Bureau of Reclamation to fund three conservation projects. In return, the district will add up to 269,000 acre-feet to Lake Mead by 2031.
As the deadline for new operating guidelines approaches, California’s water districts remain focused on finding a fair solution for the Colorado River.
