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The seven states in the Colorado River basin couldn't agree on a plan to conserve unprecedented amounts of water before a federal deadline. Meanwhile, grim projections for the future of water levels in Lake Mead have forced mandatory cuts to water for some users in the lower basin. Federal authorities are trying to prop up levels in the nation's largest reservoir before they dip too low to generate hydropower or allow the passage of water.

Colorado River states fail to meet federal deadline on restricting water use

Arizona will lose 21% of its Colorado River allotment next year.
Lake Mead and the rest of the Colorado River system are shrinking rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has called for new conservation measures, asking states to conserve a tremendously large amount of water, and giving them a 60-day timeline to formulate a plan for those reductions.

More water cuts coming to Arizona

The federal Bureau of Reclamation has announced how much Colorado River water the state will give up.
Water levels in Lake Powell, seen here in May 2021, are dipping dangerously low. The federal government has proposed an unprecedented plan to cut back on water supplies for Arizona, Nevada and California. The measure aims to keep water levels high enough to generate hydropower at the Glen Canyon Dam.

Deadline looms for drought-stricken states to cut water use

New cuts are expected on Tuesday.
Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

Conservationists file notice of intent to sue EPA over Queen Creek mining waste

The groups also take aim at the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Patagonia Lake State Park.

State issues mercury warning for some fish caught in Patagonia Lake

The warning only applies to eating Flathead Catfish.
Oak Flat, near where a copper mine is proposed, is dotted with rugged boulders and desert vegetation.

Fight over Resolution Copper Mine drags on

Both sides expect the fight to continue

Supreme Court ruling against EPA hurts, may not hobble clean air in Arizona

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes money to combat climate change.
Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir, is projected to decline as 2022 progresses, triggering responses from both state and federal officials.

On the Colorado River the feds carry a big stick. Will the states get hit?

A summer deadline approaches for state leaders to agree on how to cut their water use.
Lake Mead and the rest of the Colorado River system are shrinking rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has called for new conservation measures, asking states to conserve a tremendously large amount of water, and giving them a 60-day timeline to formulate a plan for those reductions.

What will Arizona do as its share of Colorado River water diminishes?

We hear about efforts to reassess state allocations and what may come of a billion-dollar fund established this summer.
Glen Canyon Dam holds back Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir on the Colorado River. The lake is currently at 28% of its capacity.

Responding to federal pressure, Upper Colorado River states seek to bring back conservation program

Colorado River states are facing a deadline to cut their water use.
A U.S. flag on the uniform of a member of the National Guard.

Arizona National Guard fills sandbags to help prevent floods

Officials are worried about flooding in areas recently burned by wildfire.
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area in Cochise County, Arizona.

Fort Huachuca receives $2.8M for water and environment conservation projects

The Army post is working with partners in Sierra Vista.
Seal of the state of Arizona.

Bacterial outbreak found at Arizona's largest state hatchery

Officials say some of the sick fish may have been released.
Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

Court allows Resolution Copper Mine to continue

Apache Stronghold did not prove its religious concerns were enough to stop the mine.
Water levels in Lake Powell are dipping dangerously close to "dead pool," at which point it becomes impossible to generate hydropower at the Glen Canyon dam. Experts think the reservoir could reach those levels within a year.

Hydropower customers could pay extra fees

Federal law requires fees be paid whether or not dams are generating power.
The proposed site of the Rosemont Copper Mine.

Hudbay wins a round in court

A judge ruled the Rosemont and Copper World mines are not legally related.

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