Arizona, other states in Colorado River basin pitch new ways to absorb shortages

The seven U.S. states that draw water from the Colorado River basin are suggesting new ways to determine how the increasingly scarce resource is divvied up when the river can’t provide what it historically promised.

Water levels rising at Lake Mead
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The Bureau of Reclamation reports levels rose more than four feet from December to January at Lake Mead, and they are up about three more feet this month.

SRP officials conduct snowpack survey after winter storm

A winter storm that recently moved through Arizona has provided some much-needed snow to parts of the Arizona high country, and officials with SRP are measuring snowpacks in order to get a clearer picture of the snowpack level in some areas that can impact Phoenix's water supply.

Long-term water solution passed for Rio Verde
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The Arizona Corporation Commission greenlighted a long-term solution to ensure Rio Verde residents don't lose access to water again.

Rio Verde water: Commission to consider long-term fix
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State lawmakers passed a law to temporarily restore water to Rio Verde residents through 2025 after the city of Scottsdale cut off the community from its water supply earlier this year.

Tensions are bubbling up at thirsty Arizona alfalfa farms as foreign firms exploit unregulated water

La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin welcomes a recent crackdown by Arizona officials on unfettered groundwater pumping long allowed in rural areas, noting local concerns about dried up wells and subsidence that’s created ground fissures and flooding during heavy rains.

Federal officials say plan for water cuts from Arizona, 2 other states is enough to protect Colorado River

Federal officials said Wednesday that conditions have improved on the Colorado River to the point that a plan by California, Arizona and Nevada to voluntarily reduce water use should help keep the river basin on stable footing for the next few years.

Water to begin flowing again in the Rio Verde Foothills: 'A big day'

The long-running saga of the Rio Verde Foothills' fight for water is about to end. The community became a warning sign for desert living as it struggled to find a reliable and affordable water supply for the past year.

Rio Verde: Water to start flowing again
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After a months-long crisis, water will flow in the Rio Verde Foothills community starting on Oct. 9. It's part of a new law signed in June by Governor Katie Hobbs, as well as numerous agreements and measures that formed off the bill. Under the plan, the City of Scottsdale will treat the water acquired by Rio Verde, in a temporary solution. A long-term proposal is currently being reviewed by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Arizona ends water lease with Saudi Arabia-owned farm, other companies

Fondomonte uses sprinklers to grow alfalfa in La Paz County and exports it to feed dairy cattle in Saudi Arabia. The company does not pay for the water it uses.

Water conservation measures announced for Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park announced Tuesday that it is reimplementing mandatory water conservation measures again for the South Rim due to diminished supplies.

Grand Canyon urges people to conserve water
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People living at the Grand Canyon and visitors are being asked to conserve water. The National Park Service says it's unable to pump water right now from Roaring Springs to the South rim because of diminished supplies and difficulties treating the water. Hikers are being urged to carry their own water or treat water themselves.

Arizona farmers look for ways to conserve water
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The Valley is heating up again this week with many daily highs above 110. Farmers at a food expo in Mesa say they're working to farm sustainably by conserving water so they sustain the crop through Arizona's summer heat. FOX 10's Irene Snyder has the story.

Rio Verde water crisis: Gov. Hobbs signs bill ending Arizona town's battle for water

The start of 2023 brought new concerns for some residents in the Rio Verde Foothills area, as Scottsdale shut off their water supply due to the ongoing drought. Here's what you should know about what happened, and what people are trying to do to secure a water supply for the future.

Colorado River cuts: Western states will not lose as much water in 2024

The U.S. government in 2021 announced cuts that hit Arizona particularly hard. Last year, those cuts grew more severe thanks to continued drought, poor precipitation and less runoff from the river’s Rocky Mountains source.

Despite end to Rio Verde water battle, one donkey sanctuary is struggling: 'It's just the worst'

Gov. Katie Hobbs signed off on a bill that would create a new standpipe water district in the area and facilitate the water sale from Scottsdale to Rio Verde. But one nonprofit isn't seeing immediate relief.