Colorado River states have weeks remaining to resolve deep divides over how to manage the river for years to come, officials at a water conference in southwestern Colorado said Friday. … Basin officials must submit a joint management proposal by May for it to be considered in the larger federal process that will decide how the river is managed. A seven-state agreement would send a clear signal to federal decision-makers about how the basin wants to manage its own water future. But for months, basin state officials at the center of negotiations have been at odds. … The current river management agreement lapses fully in September 2026, and there are many steps left in a larger federal process before a new management plan is finalized.

Other Colorado River news:​

• Le Monde: Tension over water on the US-Mexico border
• The Hill: Trump’s denial of Mexico’s Colorado River request sparks concerns over future water negotiations
• Times of San Diego: State Department’s denial of extra Colorado River water for Tijuana raises concerns
• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Water researchers: Low Colorado River reservoirs show ‘crisis endures’
• The Ark Valley Voice (Salida, Colo.): Three bills protecting Colorado water resources advance in legislative session