With hydrologic conditions trigger unprecedented policy actions, those that manage Colorado River water resources have their work cut out for them.
In August 2013, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that the 2014 water year would see releases of only 7.48 MAF from Lake Powell—the lowest volume of releases since the lake was built in the 1960’s. This reduction in releases is in accordance the terms set forth in the 2007 Interim Guidelines.
Reduced deliveries from Lake Powell mean less water flowing into Lake Mead in 2014 and dead even chances that a shortage will be declared in the lower basin in 2015.
Colorado River Drought Forces a Painful Reckoning for States explores the potential consequences of the regulatory actions unfolding in the basin.
Read the article at the New York Times