What is the deadline for the Colorado River states to reach a new water management agreement?

The deadline for the Colorado River states to reach a new water management agreement is November 11, 2025.

How is Utah preparing for potential changes to Colorado River water management?

Utah has been investing $1 million in a Colorado River measurement infrastructure project and approving $650,000 in annual funding to monitor water use since 2023, in order to better manage its water resources.

What are some of the concerns for farmers in Utah regarding potential water use reductions?

Many of Utah's farmers are worried about the prospect of mandatory water use reductions, as they may be asked to leave water in streams instead of diverting it for irrigation. One farmer stated that a 10-20% reduction in their water allocation would be very difficult for them.

Home / Environment / Colorado River States Scramble to Manage Dwindling Water Supply Before Deadline

Colorado River States Scramble to Manage Dwindling Water Supply Before Deadline

31 Oct

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Summary

Deadline for Colorado River states to reach water management agreement is Nov. 11, 2025
Competing plans submitted by Upper and Lower Basin states to federal government last year
Utah investing in tools to better measure and monitor water use since 2023

Colorado River States Scramble to Manage Dwindling Water Supply Before Deadline

As of October 31, 2025, the seven U.S. states that depend on the Colorado River are in the final stretch of negotiations to determine how to manage the river and its reservoirs. The existing agreement is set to expire at the end of 2026, and if the states cannot reach a new deal by November 11, 2025, the federal government will intervene and create its own plan.

The Upper Basin states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, along with the Lower Basin states of Nevada, Arizona, and California, have been working to find a compromise. Last year, the states submitted competing plans to the federal government, and now they are working through issues like which reservoirs will be managed under the new agreement and whether there will be mandatory water use cuts during dry years.