On the Eve of Deadline, California Strengthens Commitment to Sustainable Colorado River Operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2026
On the eve of the deadline identified by the Department of the Interior (DOI) for Basin States to outline a potential agreement for post-2026 Colorado River operations, California reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with Basin States and the federal government to ensure future operations protect reservoir infrastructure, support communities, the environment, and agriculture, and reflect the realities of a drier future.
Current hydrologic conditions underscore the urgency of action. Lake Powell was approximately 26% full and Lake Mead 34% full, while unregulated inflow to Lake Powell for 2026 is projected at 52% of average. Hydrologic conditions are expected to continue deteriorating, reinforcing the need for every state to contribute meaningful water reductions to protect the stability of the Colorado River system.
“California has a history of working collaboratively across the Basin to find solutions and overcome challenges. Though reaching an agreement for post-2026 operations has proven particularly difficult, we remain committed to using our experience to forge a plan that is sustainable where everyone commits to the solution,” said JB Hamby, Chairman of the Colorado River Board of California.
The Lower Basin — California, Arizona, and Nevada — has already proposed 1.5 million acre-feet in annual reductions, including approximately 250,000 acre-feet in coordination with Mexico, representing the first and most significant step toward stabilizing the system. California continues to encourage all Basin States to meet the moment with additional commitments.
Regardless of whether a seven-state agreement is reached, Colorado River operations must be defined before October 1, 2026, when the current operating guidelines expire.
DOI is expected to continue its work towards identifying a preferred alternative for post-2026 river operations. DOI has done significant work in recent months to help identify a path that balances risk across the Basin. This work could support consensus among the states or inform development of a new or modified alternative in the Final Environmental Impact Statement if consensus is not reached.
California agencies will continue to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement to adjust water use across all seven states to adjust to the new reality of less water on the Colorado River. California experience demonstrates that conservation is possible and economies can grow while using less water from the Colorado River. All states must do their part.
California Leadership on the Colorado River
California alone represents more than half of the Colorado River Basin’s economic activity, population, employment, and agricultural production — underscoring the importance of protecting system reliability for our state.
California continues to lead through conservation, efficiency, and long-term investment in water reliability. Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and other programs has strengthened these efforts, with federal dollars matched by significant local investments to achieve our shared water reliability goals.
- California’s Colorado River use is at its lowest level since 1949.
- Urban agencies have reduced imported-water demand by 50% since 2000.
- Part of this urban reduction has come through investment in recycled water projects that annually produce more than 350,000 acre-feet of water. Future projects in planning or development in urban Southern California could add an additional 500,000 acre-feet of recycled water.
- Agricultural producers have reduced use by 15% while providing the majority of America’s winter produce and powering an economy of over $3 billion.
- California has invested more than $8 billion in water-resilience infrastructure in recent years.
- The state is also home to the largest seawater desalination plant in the nation, underscoring its commitment to building long-term resilience.
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