PHOENIX — New federal rules for managing the Colorado River took effect with the Oct. 1 water year, but Arizona households and farms will not feel delivery cuts until Jan. 1, 2027 — and only after negotiators finish a three-state agreement meant to soften the blow.
Federal reservoir operations run on a water year that starts each October, so Lake Powell releases toward Lake Mead are already shifting. Deliveries out of Mead to cities and irrigation districts still follow the calendar year, giving Arizona, California and Nevada until New Year’s Day to lock in a parallel Lower Basin deal.
Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke told KJZZ he is “very optimistic” the agreement language is nearly ready for water-user boards. He said Arizona and Nevada largely have plans in place while California finishes details with the Metropolitan Water District and the Imperial Irrigation District, the river’s largest single user.
Talks slowed after Nevada sued the Interior Department over how the new federal rules were crafted. Buschatzke said negotiators still see a path that addresses the lawsuit while finishing the Lower Basin pact. Once signed, Arizona is the only Colorado River state where lawmakers can approve or block the interstate deal — possibly in a special session.
Water has become a centerpiece of the 2026 governor’s race between Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican Rep. Andy Biggs. Buschatzke still predicts bipartisan support once a finished agreement reaches the Capitol, arguing it shows Lower Basin collaboration under scarcity.