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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 27, 2026San Diego

U.S. Department of Interior mandates Colorado River water cuts; San Diego region reports supply resilience

The U.S. Department of Interior has ordered California, Arizona, and Nevada to reduce annual Colorado River water usage by 1.25 million acre-feet between 2027 and 2028. California is required to cut 440,000 acre-feet of its share, though San Diego officials report that local investments in desalination, water recycling, and conservation agreements leave the region well-positioned to manage the reduction.

water managementColorado Riverdroughtinfrastructureconservation
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Why It Matters

Residents face potential regional water management shifts as the federal government mandates significant reductions in Colorado River water usage, impacting long-term water supply strategies and utility costs.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Department of Interior mandated a 1.25 million acre-foot annual reduction in Colorado River water usage for California, Arizona, and Nevada.
  • California is required to reduce its annual water usage by 440,000 acre-feet between 2027 and 2028.
  • The Carlsbad seawater desalination plant currently provides approximately 10% of the San Diego region's drinking water.
  • The San Diego Water Authority maintains a 2003 conservation agreement providing 280,000 acre-feet of water annually.
  • The San Diego Water Authority is currently exploring the legal feasibility of selling water to other Western states.
  • The city of San Diego is implementing large-scale water recycling projects, such as the 'Pure Water' program.
  • San Diego is identified as one of the most efficient urban water users in California.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSan Diego Water Authority“Local utility managing regional water supply.”organizationU.S. Department of Interior“Federal agency mandating water usage reductions.”personJim Madaffer“Member of the San Diego Water Authority board and Colorado River Board of Califo”personFelicia Marcus“Former chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board.”