Colorado River

Environmental advocates argue that new water-sharing rules can and should keep the river flowing for plants, animals, people, and infrastructure.

Upper Basin states like Utah worry water could get leased to cities downstream. Tribe members say they want to access a resource that is rightfully theirs.

Negotiations remain at an impasse, making a messy court battle increasingly likely. One Utah water official argued such a move would mean choosing courtrooms over cooperation.

An annual water policy conference brought two negotiators together to address questions about the strained negotiations. The seven states remain at an impasse despite federal pressures.

Researchers are using satellites to track how much water is not just in the river, but held in nearby snow and soil. That increased accuracy could help cities and farms plan for shortages.

Federal data typically focuses on the total amount of water stored, but some water has to stay in reservoirs to keep dams working. That means even less is available for cities and farms.

Some worry the proposal would put states in continual negotiations, which historically have been unproductive. However, it could be a step towards a longer-term plan.

Southern Utah Tribune reporters Mark Eddington and Brooke Larsen joined UPR for a live broadcast in St. George. They talk about the top stories in southern Utah, including the Colorado River.

Lake Powell, the upper Colorado River basin's largest reservoir, is projected to have its lowest summer inflow in its history this summer. Federal agencies have taken emergency measures to prop it up.

The seven Western states have only five months until the current agreements expire. A warm winter with low snowpack has also made water supply forecasts more dire.