Arizona, California, and Nevada are offering to cut their offtake from the drought-stricken waterway by roughly a third. But only if the Trump administration agrees to their terms.
The states argue that a significant cut in river use would help stabilize flows and support downstream ecosystems, while also aligning with broader water-management goals in the Southwest.
Under the proposal, each state would trim its offtake by approximately 33 percent, a reduction that would translate into millions of gallons of water saved annually. The plan is contingent on approval from the Trump administration, which would need to agree to the terms set by the three states.
If approved, the reduction could provide a critical buffer for the river's health, potentially improving water quality and availability for both ecological and human needs in the region.
