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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
Colorado River; seven-state agreement
Purpose
Declares that the Members of the Legislature support a mutual, seven-state agreement that benefits all Basin States and protects the major population centers and industries in Arizona that are vital to national security, economy and food supply.
Background
The Colorado River Basin is divided into an Upper and Lower Basin at Lee Ferry, Arizona. The Upper Basin States of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming receive Colorado River water, as do the Lower Basin States of Arizona, California and Nevada. Collectively, these seven states are the Basin States (The Colorado River Authority of Utah).
The Colorado River water supplies are shared by the Basin States, the federal government, several American Indian tribes and the Republic of Mexico. Arizona obtains over 40 percent of its water supply from the Colorado River for municipalities and industries, agriculture, American Indian tribes and environmental purposes. Several documents and agreements that govern the operation and management of the Colorado River are set to expire in 2026, including the: 1) 2007 Interim Guidelines; 2) 2019 Drought Contingency Plan; and 3) 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico (ADWR and USBR).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
· Declares that the Members of the Legislature support a mutual, seven-state agreement that benefits all Basin States and protects the major population centers and industries in Arizona that are vital to national security, economy and food supply.
House Action
NREW 2/10/26 DP 9-1-0-0
3rd Read 2/26/26 54-0-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 12, 2026
SB/SF/hk