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Feds spare Upper Basin; states still feel water-cut pressure

Federal water cut rules target the Lower Basin; the Upper Basin is not currently required to make mandatory reductions, though pressure remains on its states.

Published Sep 4, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT | WFMZZ

Federal officials did not require the Colorado River’s Upper Basin states to make the mandatory water cuts that were imposed on the Lower Basin. Despite being spared mandatory reductions, Upper Basin states continue to face pressure related to water shortages and cutbacks.