Rep. Adelita Grijalva and water policy expert weigh in on Colorado River crisis

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Bureau of Reclamation has released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for new guidelines governing Colorado River operations.

The next step is a formal record of decision, which is expected soon and could take effect October 1.

The development comes as water policy experts warn the Colorado River is facing an increasingly urgent water crisis.

John Berggren, Regional Policy manager with Western Resource Advocates, said all seven Colorado River states will need to find ways to use less water.

Berggren says the situation has reached a critical point after years of warnings about declining water supplies. He points to Lake Powell, where water levels fell so low earlier this year that the federal government took emergency steps to protect the reservoir.

He says Lake Mead could face similar challenges as water levels continue to decline.

For Yuma County, the potential cuts could have a major impact on local agriculture.

Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said Yuma County's senior water rights could help protect local farmers from major cuts unless conditions become very severe.

Still, Grijalva says Arizona should not be expected to carry the largest share of the reductions.

She says the final agreement needs to respect Arizona's water rights while making sure all seven Colorado River states share responsibility for reducing water use.