Sinema-secured funds will conserve at least 3 million-acre-feet of water in the Colorado River Basin through the end of 2026
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema applauded new steps taken to ensure the short-term stability of the Colorado River up to 2026, thanks to funding the Senator secured in the 2022 energy and climate law.
Fueled by the more than $4 billion Sinema secured for Western water infrastructure and resilience, the Administration reached three new water conservation agreements in California that will save hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water in Lake Mead. These agreements are the culmination of work across the Lower Colorado River Basin to achieve significant conservation targets that will protect the system in the near-term.
“Arizona’s short and long-term success depend on a strong, resilient water supply. I’m proud to deliver the funds to reach these conservation agreements – a critical step towards securing Arizona’s water future for generations to come,” said Sinema.
The conservation agreements announced today save hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water in Lake Mead – a critical resource serving hundreds of thousands of Arizonans.
The agreements announced include an agreement with Coachella Valley Water District, which commits up to 30,000 acre-feet of conserved water through 2026; an agreement with Palo Verde Irrigation District in cooperation with Metropolitan Water District, which commits up to 351,063 acre-feet of conserved water through 2026; and an agreement with Bard Water District in cooperation with Metropolitan Water District, which commits up to 18,090 acre-feet of conserved water through 2026.
