Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

9-2-2026

Abstract

Reductions in Lower Basin water use during the last four years, including

forecast use in 2026, are similar to the initial targets for Lower Basin shortages

described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Post-2026

Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead (FEIS)

and the accompanying Record of Decision (ROD).

6 Lower Basin consumptive

use in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and forecast for 2026 has been the smallest for

the entire 2010-2026 period. These four years of smallest use are between 1.4

and 1.7 million acre feet/year (maf/yr) less than the 7.50 maf/yr amount

generally recognized as the Lower Basin’s mainstem allocation.

• Reductions in Lower Basin use have been achieved by large reductions

implemented by Central Arizona Project (CAP) contractors and

subcontractors, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), and non-CAP water users in

Arizona. The reductions in use in the IID have been in summer water use and

have not affected consumptive use in winter when garden crops, such as

lettuce, onions, carrots, and broccoli, are grown.

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