Editorial: Colorado River water deal gives California another reprieve. For now
LA TimesA “bathtub ring” displays the drop in water levels on Lake Mead, which provides much of Southern California’s water and is fed by a diminishing Colorado River. The real reckoning comes when operating agreements expire for Lake Mead, which feeds the Colorado’s water to Southern California and the two other lower-basin states, and Lake Powell, which regulates the flow into Lake Mead while serving Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. The agreement among the seven states gives California, especially, some additional time to prepare for a drier future, including a much steeper permanent reduction in its allotment of Colorado River water. California takes the most Colorado River water by far, so its cuts now and in future operating agreements will also be the largest and most deeply felt.