Colorado River States Struggle to Reach Deal Before Deadline

Negotiations between seven states hit impasse as February 14 federal deadline looms

Feb. 4, 2026 at 12:31am

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Negotiations between the seven states that rely on the Colorado River are unlikely to yield a comprehensive agreement before a federal deadline of February 14, according to Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. While recent talks have shown some progress, a persistent impasse between the Upper and Lower Basin states remains a key obstacle to reaching a consensus on addressing the 26-year megadrought affecting the river.

Why it matters

The Colorado River is a critical water source for over 40 million people across the Southwest, and the inability of the states to reach a new deal could have significant consequences for water supplies in the region. Failure to reach an agreement could lead to federal intervention and potential water restrictions.

The details

Governor Hobbs indicated that the Upper Basin states appeared more receptive to Arizona's concerns, but a full agreement by the February 14 deadline is still unlikely. Arizona's top water negotiator, Tom Buschatzke, described a reluctance from the Upper Basin states to reduce water usage, even during dry periods, while the Lower Basin states make significant cuts. Compounding the urgency, snowpack levels in the Upper Basin are at a record low for early February, raising concerns about reservoir levels this summer.

  • The federal deadline for a new Colorado River deal is February 14, 2026.
  • The current rules governing the Colorado River are set to expire in October 2026.

The players

Katie Hobbs

The governor of Arizona, a state heavily reliant on the Colorado River.

Tom Buschatzke

Arizona's top water negotiator, involved in the talks between the seven states.

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What they’re saying

“We were clearly at an impasse. I feel like we're at a place where we can start to move past that now.”

— Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona (newsdirectory3.com)

“We're doing 800,000 or 900,000 acre-feet a year of reductions. And you're telling me you can't do 50,000? You might not be able to do anything because it's so dry? I just have a hard time wrapping my head around that outcome.”

— Tom Buschatzke, Arizona's top water negotiator (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The federal government may grant additional time for the states to reach a deal if they demonstrate progress, but the February 14 deadline remains a pressing concern. Hobbs and other officials have called on the federal government to utilize a strategic reserve of water in Upper Basin reservoirs to ensure Lower Basin states receive their legally allocated water supply.

The takeaway

The inability of the seven Colorado River states to reach a new agreement before the federal deadline highlights the growing tensions and challenges surrounding the management of this critical water resource. Failure to reach a consensus could lead to federal intervention and potential water restrictions, underscoring the urgent need for the states to find a collaborative solution to address the ongoing drought and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River system.