The Colorado River Basin’s water and energy problems are well chronicled in studies and news reports. With the Colorado River’s low flows extending more than two decades and drawdown of water from Lakes Powell and Mead, water in storage is at historic lows. Moreover, the system’s hydropower is in jeopardy. Most critically, a “crash” of the system, wherein water would not flow below Hoover Dam, could be more than just a bad
sci-fi story. Work is ongoing to develop a consensus strategy that, at the least, increases water delivery cutbacks substantially over those associated with the official 2007 federal guidelines for sharing shortage. Partnerships among stakeholders with diverse expertise, experience, and perspectives will be vital to restoring system security.