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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