Government Updates Paperwork for Counting Every Drop of Colorado River
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Reclamation wants to update how it collects info about water use from the Colorado River in the Lower Basin. This affects farmers, water managers, and communities relying on this water. They’re asking for public feedback by February 13, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work for anyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory Colorado River Water Reporting
If you divert Colorado River water in Arizona, California, or Nevada, you must provide Reclamation data on diversions, return flow, and consumptive use as required by your Colorado River water delivery contract. The Bureau estimates 84 respondents will submit 491 total responses per year (monthly or annually as the contract requires), with a combined burden of 103 hours annually under OMB Control Number 1006-0015; public comments are due by February 13, 2026.
Form Consolidation for Reporting
The Bureau is revising its information collection forms by eliminating Form LC-72B and renaming Form LC-72A to Form LC-72 for reporting diversions, return flow, and consumptive use of Colorado River water. This changes which specific form you will use to submit required data under OMB Control Number 1006-0015.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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This report shares updates on water contracts managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, affecting farmers, cities, and businesses that rely on project water. It highlights new, ended, or ongoing contract changes that impact water delivery and payments, helping everyone stay in the loop about water use and costs. Expect updates on contract deadlines and money matters that keep water flowing smoothly through 2026.
2026-09022 — Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council Notice of Public Meeting
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2026-06411 — Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Actions
This report shares updates on water contracts managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, affecting farmers, cities, and businesses that rely on project water. It highlights new, ended, or ongoing contract actions that impact how water is delivered and paid for, with some changes possibly affecting costs or timing soon. Everyone depending on these water projects should stay tuned for updates that could influence their water use and budgets.
2026-03776 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Recreation Survey Questions
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2026-03654 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Diversions, Return Flow, and Consumptive Use of Colorado River Water in the Lower Colorado River Basin
The Bureau of Reclamation is asking for public feedback on renewing and updating how they collect info about water use from the Colorado River in the Lower Basin. This affects farmers, water managers, and communities relying on this water. Comments are open until March 26, 2026, and the goal is to keep water tracking clear without adding extra hassle or costs.
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