Leaders from the Greater Phoenix business and economic development community are applauding a landmark three-state agreement between Arizona, California, and Nevada to proactively reduce water consumption from the Colorado River. This collaborative proposal, aimed at conserving an additional 3.2 million-plus acre-feet of water through 2028, demonstrates that the Lower Basin remains solution-driven in the face of unprecedented Western drought.
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The agreement serves as a vital “bridge,” providing immediate stability to the river system and protecting the long-term viability of Lake Mead and Lake Powell. By taking these proactive steps now, the Lower Basin states are ensuring that the 40 million people who rely on this water and the economies they support can count on a secure future.
“This agreement is a testament to the power of regional collaboration and Arizona’s commitment to being a leader in water stewardship,” said Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “By negotiating this three-state plan, Arizona, California, and Nevada have shown that we are proactively building the bridge to a sustainable future together. This kind of decisive action is exactly what our business community needs to ensure long-term economic certainty.”
The proposal includes significant conservation commitments across the board, with California agreeing to reduce usage by approximately 13% and Arizona and Nevada continuing their history of substantial, measurable contributions to the system’s health. This unified front from the Lower Basin provides a clear alternative to the drastic and inequitable reductions to Arizona’s water supply previously proposed by the federal government. It also serves as a roadmap for the type of conservation that should take place in all seven basin states while federal and interstate negotiations continue for post-2026 operating rules.
“Water security is at the foundation of economic development in the Southwest, and the Lower Basin states have shown commitment to driving practical, real-world solutions for the benefit of the region and country as a whole,” said Christine Mackay, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Arizona is a catalyst for the United States’ reshoring priorities, and in ensuring fair water access across the basin, state and regional leaders are taking necessary, proactive steps to continue supporting growth while protecting our most precious resource.”
While the Lower Basin has moved forward with this critical short-term fix, the agreement highlights the importance of continued cooperation across the entire river system. By prioritizing stability over conflict, Arizona, California, and Nevada have set a standard for proactive governance that ensures the Colorado River remains a lifeblood for the American West.
