Authors of a new study on laws that manage the Colorado River are calling for change: They want to see water officials scrap an old rule and allow more water to make its way to major reservoirs.
In Colorado, when there’s enough water in the Colorado River for everyone to get the amount they’re legally entitled to, the river enters “free river conditions.” Once that happens, anyone, whether or not they have legal access to the river, can just take water out.
Brian Richter helped write the new study and would like to see the state ditch the free river rule.
"Getting rid of it would do very little harm to Coloradoans, but it would possibly provide a lot of benefit to Lake Powell and to the Colorado River system," Richter said.
Lake Powell — the nation’s second largest reservoir — could use all the help it can get. It’s less than 40% full after years of drought fueled by climate change and steady demand.
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Republican state lawmakers want the state’s water agency to keep them apprised of all Colorado River negotiations, indicating that the governor is getting more updates than them. -
Leaders with the Central Arizona Project opened the door to potential lawsuits over the federal management of Colorado River water. -
Cataloging information from the Confluence may also be used to potentially deter future commercial development by industries like hydropower — while the Trump administration is eyeing energy projects on tribal lands. -
About 48 miles of the Upper Verde River and Sycamore Creek west of Sedona were granted the Tier 3 Outstanding Arizona Waters designation this week.
