The Imperial Irrigation District, California’s largest single user of Colorado River water, is backing a new plan by California, Nevada, and Arizona water managers that calls for deep cuts in irrigation use and expanded conservation efforts to help stabilize the river system through 2028.
The proposal — announced May 2 by California, Arizona and Nevada and now before the federal government — outlines potential savings of up to 3.2 million acre‑feet over the next several years as drought, climate change and historically low runoff continue to strain the river and its major reservoirs.
“This is about making sure solutions work for the people who depend on this water every day,” said IID Director for Division 1, Alex Cardenas. “Imperial Valley agriculture feeds the nation, and any conservation efforts must be paired with real support, including funding, and appropriate consideration for the Salton Sea. We can be part of the solution, but it has to be done the right way.”
IID leaders said the framework reflects urgency but stressed that any participation would require board approval, federal funding, and protection of senior water rights.
Since the early 1900s, the Colorado River has turned California’s deserts—especially the Imperial and Coachella valleys—into thriving agricultural hubs. Today, farms in the Imperial Valley irrigate roughly half a million acres, supplying a large share of the nation’s winter vegetables.
As urban populations grew, water-sharing agreements reshaped the landscape. Metropolitan agencies negotiated transfers from the IID, sometimes through voluntary deals and other times under legal and political pressure.
Here’s what to know about the proposed Colorado River stabilization plan.
How California Arizona and Nevada plan to save 3.2 million acre feet of Colorado River water
The plan builds on earlier commitments made during post‑2026 negotiations, including 1.25 million acre-feet in annual reductions from Lower Basin states (California, Nevada, and Arizona) and 250,000 acre-feet from Mexico.
The newly advanced framework adds:
Together, the states say the package could conserve more than 3.2 million acre-feet through 2028, depending on hydrology and federal support.
“With this proposal, the Lower Basin is putting forth real action to stabilize water supply along the Colorado River. We’re putting forward additional measurable water contributions for the system. Without that, the system will continue to decline,” said JB Hamby, Colorado River Commissioner for California.
Why the Imperial Irrigation District matters in Colorado River water negotiations
IID controls roughly 70% of California’s Colorado River supply, most of it used to irrigate farms in the Imperial Valley. While the district holds senior water rights, leaders have repeatedly warned that no one benefits if reservoir levels fall too low to deliver water at all.
“IID has been and will continue to be a leading voice in these discussions,” said Karin Eugenio, the district’s board chairwoman, citing record-low hydrology and risks to agriculture and rural communities.
IID officials said any conservation must be paired with funding, protection of water rights and consideration of impacts to the Salton Sea, which relies on agricultural runoff.
Metropolitan Water District response to the Colorado River stabilization plan
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies water to nearly 19 million people, said the Lower Basin plan reflects the immediate need to respond to historic dry conditions.
General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh said Southern California can manage the proposed reductions, but not the ongoing uncertainty on the river.
“The river is changing,” Deshmukh said. “The only way to ensure reliability is for all seven states to work together.”
What happens next for the Colorado River plan in federal review and funding
The proposal has been submitted to the federal government as part of the National Environmental Policy Act review for post‑2026 Colorado River operations.
Key elements — including expanded system conservation — would require federal funding and partnerships to move forward.
The framework will also need sign‑off from the Arizona Legislature and the governing boards of major California and Nevada water agencies, including IID.
Federal and state officials estimate the Colorado River supplies water to about 40 million people across the West, along with roughly 5.5 million acres of farmland.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: New Colorado River plan calls for California water cuts, conservation
Reporting by James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
