Colorado River Authority of Utah
During the 2021 legislative session, the Legislature created the Colorado River Authority of Utah, a state agency in the Governor’s Office whose mission is to protect, preserve, conserve and develop Utah’s Colorado River interests. The authority and its river commissioner collaborate and work closely with the six other Colorado River Compact states. The Division of Water Resources coordinates with the authority on behalf of Utah citizens to support these efforts.
The Colorado River provides water to more than 40 million people in seven states and Mexico. The Colorado River is highly esteemed for both its iconic beauty and as a vital natural resource. It is often described as the most regulated river in the world with a complex and extensive history surrounding its development.
Utah’s allocation
Approximately one-third of Utahns rely on the Colorado River for drinking water and many more benefit directly from the river. The collection of compacts, agreements, federal laws and court decisions that define how the river is managed is commonly referred to as “The Law of the River.” Each of the Upper Basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and the Lower Basin states (Arizona, California and Nevada) is allocated the right to beneficially use a portion of the river’s water. Each basin state must supply tribal water rights within the state from its allocation.
Utah’s compact allocation is 23% of the available water supply apportioned to the Upper Basin. Utah is committed to living within its allocation. We acknowledge the hydrology has changed and are carefully analyzing how drought and a changing climate may impact Utah and its water projects into the future.
Like other states with available Colorado River water, Utah may develop its remaining apportionment. Utah’s population is projected to double by 2065, placing an increased demand on water supplies, and the Colorado River is a critical water source for Utah.
Utah’s use of its Colorado River water comports with the Law of the River and does not compromise the legal apportionments of other states. The Basin states have a long history of working together to address complex issues. That trend must continue for the benefit of the river and all who depend on it.
Key aspects of the Law of the River
1922 Colorado River Compact: Entered into by the seven basin states, it defines the relationship between the Upper Basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) and the Lower Basin states (Arizona, California and Nevada) and protects each state’s right to develop its allocation. Each basin was allocated the right to beneficially use 7.5 million acre-feet of river water annually.
1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact: Created the Upper Colorado River Commission and apportioned the Upper Basin’s available water supply among the Upper Basin states: Colorado (51.75%), New Mexico (11.25%), Utah (23%) and Wyoming (14%). The portion of Arizona that lies within the Upper Colorado River Basin was also apportioned the right to use 50,000 acre-feet annually.
2007 Interim Guidelines: The 2007 interim operational guidelines address the coordinated operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead and remain in effect through 2026. The Colorado River Basin states are engaged in negotiations to develop new operational rules to replace the expiring guidelines. A NEPA process is currently underway to evaluate various alternatives to address the operational needs of the basin states and their stakeholders.
2019 Drought Contingency Plan: The Upper and Lower Colorado River Basin states developed drought contingency plans to address extended drought unanticipated by the 2007 Interim Guidelines that expire in 2026. The Drought Contingency Plan includes:
- Companion Agreement
- Upper Basin Drought Response Operations Agreement
- Upper Basin Demand Management Storage Agreement
- Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan Agreement
- Lower Basin Drought Contingency Operations
Additional resources
- Colorado River Water Users Association
- River Story – A visual snapshot of the Colorado River and its importance to Utah and its citizens
- Timeline – A timeline of Colorado River Compact and key events
- Water Use Reporting – Utah has a comprehensive approach to measuring water use and includes all treated and untreated water. Find out what all goes into the state’s gallons per capita per day metric and how it’s used for planning purposes
- Bureau of Reclamation Colorado River Basin
- Lake Powell Pipeline – a comprehensive project website