CAP committee targets Colorado River bypass flows in 2026 federal agenda

CAP committee targets Colorado River bypass flows in 2026 federal agendaA unanimous committee vote recommends urging the federal government to fund infrastructure preventing over-deliveries to Mexico, despite environmental concerns regarding the Cienega de Santa Clara wetlands.

The CAP Public Policy Committee voted unanimously to recommend a 2026 federal agenda that prioritizes reducing bypass flows and excess deliveries to Mexico.

Staff reported that bypass flows and over-deliveries have averaged 162,000 acre-feet annually over the past five years.

The National Audubon Society testified against the measure, warning it signals a move to restart the Yuma Desalting Plant at an estimated cost of $670 million.

Board Member Mark Taylor estimated the value of the lost water at $60 to $80 million per year based on current conservation costs.

The Central Arizona Project (CAP) Public Policy Committee voted unanimously on December 4, 2025, to recommend a 2026 federal legislative agenda that explicitly seeks to reduce water lost to Mexico through bypass flows and excess deliveries. The decision highlights a growing tension between maximizing water efficiency in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin and preserving environmental habitats dependent on agricultural runoff. The approved agenda includes language urging the federal government to "prioritize and fund infrastructure improvements and efficiency projects" to prevent deliveries exceeding international treaty requirements. Jeff Gray, CAP Legislative Affairs Manager, noted that the objective is to reduce the impact of these flows on the Colorado River system. During the meeting, CAP Colorado River Programs Manager Vinita Kartha presented data showing that combined bypass flows and excess deliveries have averaged approximately 162,000 acre-feet per year over the last five years. Kartha explained that while agricultural diversions in the region have decreased since 2005, bypass flows have increased as the Bureau of Reclamation manages salinity differentials at the Northerly International Boundary. "While bypass flows have created a benefit on the Mexican side, it's also creating demand stress on the Colorado River," Gray told the committee. "Given the challenges that we are facing on the river right now, options should be on the table to be able to try to address these supplies." The proposal drew concern from the National Audubon Society. Arizona Policy Director Haley Paul testified that the agenda item signals support for restarting the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP), an offline facility she described as "outdated." Paul cited estimates that the plant would require at least $670 million to bring back online. She warned that operating the YDP would diminish water quality and quantity for the Cienega de Santa Clara, a wetland in Sonora, Mexico, that supports endangered species and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Conversely, the Yuma County Agriculture Water Coalition submitted comments supporting the federal agenda. The coalition argued that infrastructure improvements to prevent over-deliveries are essential tools for addressing decreasing supplies and impending reductions across the basin. Committee members acknowledged the environmental concerns but emphasized the financial and systemic cost of the lost water. Board Member Mark Taylor noted that with the Bureau of Reclamation paying upwards of $400 per acre-foot for system conservation, the 150,000 to 200,000 acre-feet of bypass flow represents an annual value of roughly $60 to $80 million. "It is important that we at least have a legislative agenda that looks at what are the alternatives of saving that water and using that water appropriately," Taylor said. The recommendation now moves to the full board for final approval.