Reductions to Colorado River Confirmed For 2022

Omer Salom

PHOENIX, AZ - U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released it's August 24-Month Study today, which confirms a Tier 1 Shortage for 2022.

It is not surprising that there is a Colorado River Shortage. Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) has anticipated the project for years and didn't know when it would happen. Since Lake Mead is below 1,075 feet in elevation, a Tier 1 shortage is occurring. Consequently, Arizona will receive 512,000 acre-feet less water from the Colorado River, mainly affecting agriculture.

Tier 1 shortages are more accurately referred to as reductions, rather than shortages. According to the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), western states and Mexico will continue to take less water when Lake Mead levels fall. The DCP was created in response to worsening Colorado River conditions, and all of it is part of a broader plan to protect the Colorado River. The Desert Conservation Plan has been a positive step undertaken by Arizona, the other states in the Basin, as well as the federal government. Even so, it is important that they are already exploring ways to better manage the River beyond DCP.

Cities in the AMWUA understand that river conditions will not improve substantially anytime soon. AMWUA cities are aware that beyond Tier 1 water shortages, there is a good chance of further Colorado River water shortage reductions. In order to maintain a reliable and diverse water supply, cities have invested in boosting infrastructure, improving technology, educating citizens, creating drought and shortage preparedness plans, and storing water underground for times of need. It is a long-term effort that will be continuously enhanced.

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