CRWUA 2006 Resolutions and Supporting Position Statements

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Accordingly, the AOP provides guidance to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) in its management and operation of the Colorado River System Reservoirs and allows water users, especially mainstream water users in Arizona, California, and Nevada, to schedule and plan for water deliveries during the calendar year addressed by the AOP. The members of the Colorado River Water Users Association have observed the development and adoption process for the AOP for many years and believe that it would be helpful, as well as appropriate, to have the AOP approved by the beginning day of each new water year. This resolution urges the Secretary of the Interior to adopt the AOP by October 1 st of each year. Resolution No. 2006 -15 - -- COLORADO RIVER DELTA In addressing issues of mutual interest between the United States and Mexico concerning the Colorado River Delta, the federal government is urged to communicate closely with and encourage the participation of the Basin states, in recognition of the authority and interests of those states in the water, power, recreational and environmental resources provided by the Colorado River. The administration is urged to utilize the following criteria to guide discussions concerning the Colorado River Delta: Er • Each of the water apportionments among the Basin states must remain certain and unimpaired. • Any proposal to manage or deliver water for any purpose in the Colorado River Delta must be undertaken pursuant to the Law of the River, and must not enhance, diminish, or abrogate any provision thereof, particularly the 1944 Treaty between the United States and Mexico. • Any proposal to manage water and other natural resources for environmental purposes in the Delta involving the United States should be consistent with clearly articulated and agreed upon habitat, species, or environmental goals. • Any alternative to assist in improving the environment in the Delta will require study and innovative solutions involving conservation, improved water management and non -water related actions. Position Statement - -- Colorado River Delta - -- (Resolution No. 2006 -15) The Colorado River provides important water supplies for more than 27 million Americans as well as providing water to irrigate some 4 million acres within the Colorado River Basin. The Colorado River also serves about 2.3 million people and 500,000 acres of irrigated farmlands in the Republic of Mexico. There'has been much discussion in recent years about the enhancement and restoration of riparian habitat in the Lower Colorado River Delta located in Mexico. Some have suggested that a portion of the Colorado River water supply be committed to that purpose. The U.S. government has stated repeatedly that the 1944 Mexican Water Treaty allocations will not be revisited and there will be no reallocation of water from the United States to Mexico. The Colorado River Basin States and their water users have consistently worked with the United States, particularly through the International Boundary and Water Commission and the Republic of Mexico to address issues of mutual concern. The Colorado River Delta is an emerging issue of mutual concern and the Basin states have pledged their continuing cooperation and expressed their desire to be active participants with the federal government in addressing these important matters. It is critical however, in addressing the Colorado River Delta that there be strict adherence to the Law of the River upon which the Basin states and their water users rely for certainty and predictability. Under the Law of the River, the waters of the Colorado River have been fully appropriated and include water for all needs in Mexico. In addressing any new water needs in Mexico, whether for potential environmental mitigation or for growing domestic uses, it must first be acknowledged that the River is already fully appropriated. As a result, any alternatives to assist Mexico will require innovative solutions involving conservation, improved water management and non -water related actions. It must be recognized that any effort to improve the environment in the Colorado River Delta will require study and clearly articulated and agreed upon habitat, species, and environmental goals. Therefore, the CRWUA supports the establishment by the two countries of a common database on the laws and institutions of both countries, the operation and management of existing water delivery systems, hydrologic conditions, and the status of species and habitat in the Delta. Development of this collective information will enhance the technical analysis as well as further the cooperative and joint efforts of the two countries. 17