Utah could grab Colorado River water before it gets there, conservation group says
A water grab is taking shape in Utah, where thirsty urban development north of Salt Lake City has created demand where supplies are limited. Enter the “Utah state water agent,” a position created in 2024 with the mission of seeking water supplies beyond Utah’s borders. It’s a bold move by a state that once pushed a plan to pipe water from Lake Powell to St. George to secure water for that fast-growing community. Now conservation groups are among the voices speculating that Utah could divert water from the Green River — the largest tributary of the Colorado River, providing about 40% of all the water that flows into Lake Powell.
Other Colorado River news:
- Steamboat Pilot & Today (Colo.): Lawmakers get update on post-2026 Colorado River basin negotiations
- Arizona State University: Blog: Stanton urges bipartisan, national action on Colorado River water
- Summit Daily (Colo.): Could Colorado River negotiations take a turn under the Trump administration? Colorado officials hope not.
- Colorado House Democrats: News release: House committee passes two bills to protect Colorado water
