U.S. West Prepares for Possible First Official Water Shortage Declaration

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released 24-month projections forecasting less Colorado River water will cascade down from the Rocky Mountains through Lake Powell and Lake Mead and into the U.S. Southwest. Water levels in the two lakes are expected to plummet low enough for the agency to declare an official shortage for the first time. Its models project Lake Mead will fall below 1,075 feet for the first time in June 2021. That’s the level that prompts a shortage declaration under agreements negotiated by seven states that rely on Colorado River water: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The April projections will not have binding impact. Federal officials regularly issue long-term projections but use those released each August to make decisions about how to allocate river water. If projections don’t improve by then, the Bureau of Reclamation will declare a Level 1 shortage condition. The cuts would be implemented in January. Water agency officials say they’re confident their preparation measures, including conservation and seeking out alternative sources, would allow them to withstand cuts if the drought lingers as expected. Read more at ABC News.