2026-03654Notice

Bureau Seeks Feedback on Tracking Colorado River Water Shenanigans

Published Date: 2/24/2026

Notice

Summary

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.

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower Basin water users must report use

If you use Colorado River water in Arizona, California, or Nevada, you must provide the Bureau of Reclamation with monthly or annual reports of diversions, return flows, and consumptive use as your water delivery contract requires. The Bureau estimates 84 respondents will submit 491 total responses per year, requiring 103 total burden hours annually, and there are no estimated annual non-hour costs. Reporting is required to obtain or retain your water delivery benefit.

Annual public records of Colorado River use

The Secretary of the Interior must prepare and keep complete, detailed, and accurate records of diversions, return flows, and consumptive use, and make those records available at least annually. This requirement stems from the Consolidated Decree in Arizona v. California entered March 27, 2006, and helps states and communities confirm no one exceeds authorized Colorado River water use.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
2/24/2026
3/26/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
Reclamation Bureau
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