(WASHINGTON, DC) -- The Bureau of Reclamation is expected to
release today a 24-month study of water elevations at Lake Mead and Lake
Powell, the key reservoirs on the Colorado River. The study will offer a
glimpse into the Colorado River's health following long-running drought — the
first such look since the president signed the seven-state Drought Contingency
Plan, H.R. 2030 (116), into law.
A wet winter season this year and enacted conservation
programs have made it unlikely there will be a shortage declaration predicted
for 2020, but the projected levels will provide direction on water releases and
deliveries under the drought plan. "The question will be projecting the
elevations, [and] what level of conservation will be triggered pursuant to that
Drought Contingency Plan agreement," said Kevin Moran, senior director of
Environmental Defense Fund's Colorado River Program. He was also a member of the
steering committee that helped craft the Arizona DCP.
But while the study will likely give a relative sigh of
relief after prolonged drought, Moran said future shortages remain likely.
"The work we need to do in the region remains clear," he told ME,
adding "the projections of climate scientists are disconcerting and really
call on everyone in the region to think ahead and plan for a drier
future."
James Eklund, former Colorado River representative for
Colorado and current of counsel at Squire Patton Boggs, echoed that concern to
ME. Given the run-off, he said, "the worst thing that could happen ...
would be if people take a look at that 24-month study and they see a zero
percent chance of a shortage declaration for the coming year, they will take
their foot off the accelerator."
