By Shannon Mullane | The Colorado Sun
The deal, which comes on the heels of big water cuts for three Western states, includes more cuts for Mexico.
Officials from the United States and Mexico announced Wednesday a Colorado River water-sharing deal for the next two years as the basin continues to be overstressed by prolonged drought.
The short-term deal, formally known as Minute 334, calls for Mexico to cut 250,000 acre-feet, or more than 100,000 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water, in both 2027 and 2028. It also establishes an environmental work group and a pilot program to manage the salinity of Colorado River water as it reaches Mexico.
“This Minute makes sure water is shared fairly among our users and protects the health of the Colorado River during these difficult times,” Chad McIntosh, commissioner of the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, said in a news release. “Both countries deserve a lot of credit for agreeing to these water reductions and other measures.”
The announcement comes after other big Colorado River news this summer. In late August, the federal government announced its near-term management plan for two immense reservoirs, lakes Mead and Powell, and water cuts for three states, Arizona, California and Nevada.
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