To save precious Colorado River water, groups want government to weigh ‘beneficial use’

Earlier this year, environmental groups petitioned the federal government to ensure that Colorado River water is used only for “reasonable” and “beneficial” purposes, aiming to reduce waste amid ongoing shortages exacerbated by drought and climate change. As states approach a 2026 deadline for new water-sharing rules, the Bureau of Reclamation has yet to respond, raising concerns about the river’s future and the potential impacts on local agriculture and consumers.

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