Water crisis looming in 2026 as Colorado River agreement ends

The Colorado River sharing agreement expires Oct. 1, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will set a new policy after states and Mexico did not reach a replacement deal.

There are a few months before cities learn how much Colorado River water they will receive beginning Oct. 1. The interstate and Mexico agreement that governs river sharing is expiring and the seven states were unable to agree on a replacement. Officials reported that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will determine the new policy. Experts at a March 6 panel said that Arizona communities that rely on the river will likely receive less water. Key points: - The current agreement among the seven U.S. states and Mexico to share Colorado River water expires Oct. 1. - Negotiations between the states and Mexico did not produce a new agreement, so the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will set the next policy. - Officials expect the Bureau to announce its proposed policy by July, followed by a required public comment period before any changes take effect Oct. 1. - Panel speakers said Arizona cities and towns that use Colorado River water should expect reduced supplies under the forthcoming policy. Summary: The lapse of the existing agreement will place decisions about allocations with the federal Bureau of Reclamation, and officials expect an announcement and public comment process this summer. How much water each community will lose is not specified in the report and remains undetermined at this time.