Colorado Wants to Cut Releases From Reservoir So It Can Refill

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,iockyVountain News: Legislature Norton is expected to make a decision on reducing Lake Powell releases by May 1. The request comes as Colorado and the other states struggle to craft a federally mandated drought management plan by April that is meant to stretch Western water in dry years. Scott Balcomb, a water attorney and Colorado's lead negotiator, said talks among the seven Western states are so contentious that federal water officials may have to step in to mediate a deal. "It may be a more rocky road than we would like to think," Balcomb said. His comments came Tuesday at a legislative briefing in Denver, during which federal water officials urged Colorado to continue to push to meet the April deadline, despite the legal and political issues involved in Colorado River law. In December, John Keys, commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, issued an ultimatum to Western states: Come up with a drought management plan for the massive Colorado River system or live with a federal plan that will divvy up the water for them. "If this drought continues, it's not a question of if Secretary Norton will act, it is when," warned Mark Limbaugh, deputy commissioner of the bureau. Under the 1922 Colorado River Compact, the river's water is divided equally between the Upper Basin and the Lower Basin states. Lake Powell is a major collection point for Colorado River water headed to the Lower Basin states. Despite the five -year drought, Upper Basin states have been able to satisfy the Lower Basin's water demands. But releases to meet their commitment have reduced Lake Powell to a historic low of 34 percent of capacity. If Lake Powell drops even lower and can't deliver the full amount, Lower Basin states could demand more water from Colorado and other states. It is an unlikely scenario, but one that worries Balcomb and others. Upper Basin states see this year as a good one to reduce deliveries from Lake Powell because the Lower Basin states have received spectacular amounts of rain and snow. "This is a good year to lower the releases," said Jim Lochhead, a Colorado water attorney also involved in the drought talks. "The northern part of the basin is not in great shape. It just makes sense to retain water in Powell. We don't want it to fall any further." Even if the seven states can reach a consensus next month, it is expected to take up to two years to finalize the new drought rules. smithj @RockyMountainNews.com or 303 -892 -5474 A ABOUT US 2005 ©The E.W. Scripps Co. ON Im %RCHIVES FAQ SUBSCRIBE TIP LINE PRIVACY POLICY and USER AGREEMENT :// rockymountainnews .com/drmn/legislature /article /0,1299,DRMN 37_3625106,00.html Page 2 of 3 Search the Web powered by Goode ONLINE DELIVERY post -news customer care Seiect one SPONSORED LINKS 3/16/2005