KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bureau of Reclamation Says New Drought Contingency Plan Takes Effect Immediately

Supported by Intel

Water leaders from seven western states met at the Hoover Dam Monday to sign the Drought Contingency Plan in response to ongoing drought and less water from the Colorado River, a deal six years in the making.

The plan would keep more water in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the river’s biggest reservoirs. States will also have more flexibility about how they can conserve water in Lake Mead.

Now the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has said the agreement goes into effect immediately, despite a lawsuit from California’s Imperial Irrigation District, the largest user of the river water.

In August, the bureau will determine whether there will be a water shortage next year.

Luke Runyon, a reporter with KUNC, joined The Show to discuss the plan which he calls a short-term fix. 

More Stories From KJZZ

Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.