Pbs iconPbsJul 31, 2026

Western states face more water cutbacks as Colorado River shrinks

After years of battles over its use — and a long-running drought — states that rely on the Colorado River are facing the prospect of further cutbacks. Years of gridlock among the states prompted the federal government to step in.

Western states face more water cutbacks as Colorado River shrinks

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After years of battles over its use — and a long-running drought — states that rely on the Colorado River are facing the prospect of further cutbacks.

Years of gridlock among the states prompted the federal government to step in.

A new blueprint lays out new requirements for managing the shrinking river.

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The useful part

After years of battles over its use — and a long-running drought — states that rely on the Colorado River are facing the prospect of further cutbacks. Years of gridlock among the states prompted the federal government to step in. A new blueprint lays out new requirements for managing the shrinking river.

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  • Science correspondent Miles O'Brien explains what's at stake for our series, Tipping Point.

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