Lower Basin giants align on Colorado River demands as 2026 deadline looms

Lower Basin giants align on Colorado River demands as 2026 deadline loomsCentral Arizona Project leadership visited Metropolitan Water District to showcase conservation achievements and demand the Upper Basin accept a share of future shortages.

CAP General Manager Brenda Burman reported that her agency has contributed over 2.6 million acre-feet of uncompensated conservation in the last six years.

CAP Board President Terry Goddard criticized Upper Basin negotiators for demanding growth reserves while the Lower Basin cuts usage.

CAP deliveries were reduced by one-third in 2022, dropping from 1.5 million to 1 million acre-feet.

Metropolitan Chair Adán Ortega emphasized regional interdependence, citing the Pure Water recycling project partnership.

At a January 27, 2026, meeting of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's (Metropolitan) Imported Water Subcommittee, leadership from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) joined Metropolitan directors to present a unified front regarding Colorado River negotiations. With current operating guidelines set to expire at the end of the year, the discussion focused on the Lower Basin’s conservation track record and the need for Upper Basin states to share the burden of hydrological shortages. CAP General Manager Brenda Burman emphasized the historic collaboration between the two agencies, noting that "if California and Arizona can find a way forward, then I think the Basin finds a way forward." Burman detailed that CAP has contributed over 2.6 million acre-feet of uncompensated conservation in the last six years. When combined with other programs, she estimated over 5.5 million acre-feet—largely stored as Intentionally Created Surplus (ICS)—have been saved in Lake Mead to prevent system collapse. This total includes volumes secured through binational partnerships with Mexico and infrastructure investments like the CAP-Salt River Project interconnection. CAP Board President Terry Goddard delivered a sharp critique of the Upper Basin's stance in ongoing negotiations. He expressed frustration that Upper Basin states are requesting reserved water for future growth while the Lower Basin manages reductions. Goddard highlighted the operational contrast: while Upper Basin efforts generally focus on retaining water upstream to protect Lake Powell, Lower Basin conservation directly augments Lake Mead’s storage. "If the upper basin isn't willing to take part in the share of that shortage, there's something profoundly wrong in our country," Goddard stated. He noted that CAP deliveries were cut by one-third in 2022, dropping from a reliable 1.5 million acre-feet to 1 million acre-feet, forcing central Arizona agriculture to largely cease using surface water. Metropolitan Board Chair Adán Ortega reinforced the theme of interdependence, citing the "Pure Water" recycling project partnership involving Arizona and Nevada. Both agencies highlighted that despite population growth—Arizona has added 5 million people since 1957—total water usage has decreased. The meeting underscored a strategic alignment between the largest contractors in the two Lower Basin states as they navigate the final months of negotiating the post-2026 framework.