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More Arizona Government Water Stories

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.
The seal of Cochise County.

Water projects in Cochise County get financial approval.

The Board of Supervisors vote to approve grant funds for Bisbee Effluent Recharge project and the Coyote Wash Stormwater Management Project.
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.
<em>Tapped</em>, a new podcast from Arizona Public Media, premieres July 18.

The Buzz previews AZPM's new water podcast Tapped

Join us for a look at a new series that tells the stories of how we use water.
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.
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.
Gov. Ducey's desalination plant proposal is designed to relieve pressure on water supplied by Lake Mead.

Tucson willing to give up some Colorado River water

The Mayor and Council are looking at how to take stress off Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Quitobaquito pond, July 18, 2020.

'A worst-case scenario': Leaks, dust, water pumping and drought plague Quitobaquito

Border-hugging spring and its pond are sacred to Hia C-ed O'odham and the Tohono O'odham communities
Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border continues to drop as snowpack declines throughout the southwestern U.S. The narrow passageway shown here in September 2018 has been rendered unusable as water levels drop.

Arizona senators propose drought bill

The bipartisan bill aims to help water utilities plan for dry future
Lake Mead outside of Las Vegas.

Arizona plans for drought contingency plan impacts

Water managers are preparing for a future with less Colorado River water.
Lake Mead outside Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as the Colorado River's largest reservoir and a key water source for Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico.

Congress Passes Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan

The bipartisan bill passed with no opposition following two years of negotiations.
Arizona State Capitol building.

Bill That Nearly Scuttled Drought Plan Shelved

The Arizona House Speaker pulled the bill after a lengthy hearing.
A narrow passageway allows boats to pass on the northern edge of Antelope Island in Lake Powell, one of the Colorado River's main reservoirs.

Not So Fast on the Drought Plan: State and Feds Disagree

Federal officials said Arizona did not make the deadline.
Officials say conservation efforts have kept Lake Mead water levels stable.

Thursday Marks Last Day for Arizona to Approve Drought Plan

The Legislature must pass a water-use plan today or the federal government will step in.

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