Interior Department releases new Colorado River water distribution guidelines for 2027-2028

The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued new 2027-2028 Operating Guidelines and a Record of Decision for the Post-2026 Colorado River Operations. These guidelines establish a 10-year framework to manage Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including objective criteria for releases from Lake Powell to maintain operational reliability at Glen Canyon Dam. The plan also provides for significant reductions in Colorado River water deliveries to Lower Basin States (Arizona, California, Nevada) and encourages voluntary conservation efforts.