WASHINGTON: The US government unveiled its plan on Friday for future management of the beleaguered Colorado River, with significant water reductions ahead for several western states in response to record-breaking droughts worsened by climate change.

Under the roadmap, the lower basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada could face collective cuts of up to three million acre-feet (130 billion cubic feet or 3.7 billion cubic metres) of water annually, through 2036.

That is roughly equivalent to the amount of water consumed by nine million households in a year.

The actual extent of reductions will depend on the river’s reserve levels and hydrological conditions.

The plan is set to take effect in October for two years before being reassessed.

“The Department has a responsibility to ensure the Colorado River system remains reliable and resilient for the millions of Americans, communities and industries that depend on it, “said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.

The drastic measures are aimed at easing a bitter water dispute that has divided the region for years and worsened this year amid an exceptional drought.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026