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Colorado River Shortage

ARIZONA - STRONGER TOGETHER

The Colorado River Basin continues to experience drought exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. The Colorado River Basin is in a Tier 1 shortage for 2024. This represents a 512,000 acre-foot reduction to Arizona’s Colorado River water supply, constituting 30% of CAP’s normal supply, about 18% of Arizona’s Colorado River supply, and just under 8% of Arizona’s total water use.  Nearly all the reductions within Arizona have been taken by Central Arizona Project (CAP) water users. These reductions were determined by the CAP priority system – the result being less available Colorado River water for central Arizona agricultural users.

Lower Basin Proposal thumbnail
Lower Basin Proposes New Colorado River Approach
Thumbnail of Colorado River Shortage FAQ Document
Colorado River Shortage FAQs

The Lower Basin States’ Alternative for Post-2026 Operations includes two major concepts:

  • Maximum system contents – System contents are based on the volume in seven major reservoirs that is available for release, in millions of acre-feet (MAF).
  • Reduction determination – Reductions are based on the available system contents, as follows:
    • Initial Reduction Zone (69% – 58%): Reduction to Lower Basin water uses increasing from 0 to 1.5 MAF
    • Static Reduction Zone (58% – 38%): Consistent 1.5 MAF reduction to Lower Basin water uses
    • Basinwide Reduction Zone (38% – 23%): Additional reductions to protect the system, increasing from 1.5 MAF to 3.9 MAF
    • Maximum Reduction Zone (23% and below): Consistent 3.9 MAF reduction

Shortage Impacts

Colorado River shortage will have various impacts on available water supply to CAP water users.

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This link is taking you away from the CAP website and provides information on an external site that is consistent with the intended purpose of the CAP website. CAP cannot attest to the accuracy of the information provided by this link or any other linked site. CAP is not responsible for the information or links provided by sponsors of the site or any products presented on the site. These links do not represent an endorsement by CAP or its directors or employees of site sponsors or products.

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This link is taking you away from the CAP website and provides information on an external site that is consistent with the intended purpose of the CAP website. CAP cannot attest to the accuracy of the information provided by this link or any other linked site. CAP is not responsible for the information or links provided by sponsors of the site or any products presented on the site. These links do not represent an endorsement by CAP or its directors or employees of site sponsors or products.