Report on the New Supply-Driven Approach for Colorado River Water Sharing

Introduction

The seven U.S. states sharing the Colorado River have proposed a new supply-driven approach to water sharing, marking significant progress in resolving longstanding disputes between the Upper Basin (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming) and Lower Basin (Arizona, California, Nevada) states. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by promoting sustainable water management and climate resilience.

Overview of the Supply-Driven Approach

1. The water released from Lake Powell will be based on a percentage of a three-year rolling average of the “natural flow” at Lee Ferry, the dividing line between the Upper and Lower Basins. The natural flow refers to the river flow without any dams or diversions upstream.
2. This approach introduces annual variability, meaning water releases will decrease in dry years, reducing availability for Lower Basin use.
3. The exact percentage of natural flow to be released remains to be determined, requiring further negotiation.

Key Features and Legal Considerations

• The proposal allows the Upper and Lower Basins to set aside unresolved legal disputes from the 1922 Colorado River Compact, enabling independent water management in each basin.
• Upper Basin officials emphasize managing water rights strictly and sustainably, consistent with SDG 6’s target on integrated water resources management.
• Lower Basin states will need to adjust to living within a water budget, promoting responsible consumption and conservation.

Challenges and Implementation Timeline

• The Colorado River basin is experiencing a severe mega-drought exacerbated by climate change, impacting reservoir levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
• The current 2007 Interim Guidelines, which expire in 2026, have proven insufficient to prevent reservoir depletion during consecutive dry years.
• Federal deadlines require broad outlines of a new plan by November 11, 2025, detailed plans by February 14, 2026, and implementation by October 1, 2026, with Congressional approval necessary.
• Failure to reach an agreement may result in federal intervention to protect critical reservoir levels.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The supply-driven approach promotes equitable and sustainable water allocation, ensuring water availability for all stakeholders.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By incorporating variability and adapting releases to actual hydrologic conditions, the plan enhances resilience to climate-induced droughts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Sustainable water management supports ecosystem health in the Colorado River basin.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaborative negotiation among seven states exemplifies multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable resource management.

Upper Basin Responsibilities and Conservation Efforts

The Upper Basin will ensure the agreed percentage of water reaches Lee Ferry but explicitly rejects the notion of a mandatory delivery obligation or forced cuts. Instead, voluntary and compensated conservation programs are anticipated, with previous proposals including up to 200,000 acre-feet per year of conserved water stored in Lake Powell. These efforts support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting efficient water use.

Outstanding Issues and Future Outlook

• Determining the exact percentage of natural flow allocated to the Lower Basin remains unresolved.
• Contingency plans for scenarios where the Upper Basin cannot meet the agreed water release are under consideration.
• Climate projections indicate continued reductions in river flow, necessitating adaptive management strategies aligned with SDG 13.
• The supply-driven approach represents a paradigm shift toward managing water resources based on current availability rather than historical allocations.

Conclusion

The proposed supply-driven approach for Colorado River water sharing marks a critical advancement toward sustainable and equitable water management in a climate-challenged era. By aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, this strategy fosters resilience, cooperation, and responsible resource use, setting a precedent for future water governance frameworks.

Source: Aspen Journalism, a nonprofit investigative news organization covering water, environment, and social justice. For more information, visit http://aspenjournalism.org.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses water management and sharing of the Colorado River among seven states, focusing on sustainable water use and allocation.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article highlights the impact of climate change on water availability, drought conditions, and the need for adaptive management strategies.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Management of river basins and reservoirs affects ecosystems and biodiversity dependent on the Colorado River basin.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The article addresses legal and institutional challenges in water sharing agreements and interstate cooperation.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals to address water scarcity.
   • Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Availability and Flow Indicators
   • Percentage of natural flow at Lee Ferry released from Lake Powell (measuring water allocation and supply-driven management).
   • Reservoir levels of Lake Powell and Lake Mead (measuring water storage and drought impact).
   • Total seasonal runoff into Lake Powell as a percentage of normal (measuring hydrological conditions).
2. Water Use and Conservation Indicators
   • Water budget adherence by Lower Basin states (measuring compliance with agreed water use limits).
   • Volume of water conserved through voluntary or compensated conservation programs in the Upper Basin (measuring conservation efforts).
3. Institutional and Legal Indicators
   • Existence and implementation of new operational guidelines replacing the 2007 Interim Guidelines (measuring institutional progress).
   • Timely agreement and coordination among the seven states (measuring cooperative governance).
4. Climate Impact Indicators
   • Frequency and severity of drought conditions affecting the Colorado River basin (implied through discussion of mega-drought and climate change).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: summitdaily.com