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Tucson’s Water Supply Remains Resilient – Our Initial Assessment of the Colorado River Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
Tucson, AZ-- The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation today released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for post-2026 operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Tucson Water is reviewing the document and evaluating its potential implications for Tucson’s Colorado River supplies and long-term water planning. Initial indicators are that the FEIS is generally in alignment with the City’s expectations and the City’s water supply remains resilient for the long term.
The FEIS identifies a preferred alternative consisting of a 10-year decision framework for Colorado River operations through 2036. The framework establishes operating principles, limits, and a process for developing operating guidelines, generally in two-year intervals. It does not yet formally establish the specific operating guidelines or water-delivery reductions for 2027 and 2028.
For modeling purposes, the FEIS incorporates elements of the Lower Basin States’ May 2026 proposal for allocating shortages during 2027 and 2028. Those assumptions are preliminary and do not establish Tucson’s final Colorado River reduction or voluntary conservation contribution. Separate federal operating guidelines and annual operating plans will determine actual reductions.
The City of Tucson | Tucson Water’s initial review is focused on the following areas:
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Water Reliability: Tucson’s diversified water portfolio, conservation programs, groundwater recharge, and stored-water reserves provide important safeguards as Colorado River operating conditions change.
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Colorado River Allocation: The FEIS does not establish Tucson’s reduction for 2027 or 2028. Tucson Water is coordinating with the Central Arizona Project, the Arizona Department of Water Resources and regional partners to evaluate potential impacts.
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Long-term Planning: Tucson Water will incorporate the final operating guidelines into its water-supply, recharge and conservation planning once the federal decisions are issued.
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Infrastructure & Innovation: Tucson will continue advancing groundwater recharge, conservation, and Advanced Water Purification (AWP) as part of its long-term strategy to diversify sustainable water supplies and strengthen water reliability under changing conditions.
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Current Operations: No immediate changes to customer service or water-use requirements will occur as a result of the FEIS. Staff will continue evaluating the separate operating guidelines when they are released.
"The Colorado River is essential to the future of Tucson and the economic vitality of the region. As we review today's announcement, the City of Tucson remains committed to protecting our community's long-term water security while working collaboratively with our state, tribal, federal, and regional partners to build a more resilient Colorado River system for future generations," said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
"Tucson has planned for Colorado River uncertainty for decades by investing in a diversified water portfolio and long-term water resource planning," said City Manager Tim Thomure. "We will carefully evaluate this proposal and continue working to ensure our customers that Tucson's water future remains secure."
Tucson Water Director John Kmiec said the department's technical team has begun reviewing the document to understand its operational, legal, and planning implications.
"This proposal represents an important step in shaping how the Colorado River will be managed for years to come. Our priority is to fully understand what it means for Tucson and continue advancing practical, collaborative solutions that protect long-term water reliability for our community. Our charge to diversify our water resource portfolio with Advanced Water Purification is a direct, forward-looking, sustainable and local approach while the Colorado River is under stress."
Tucson Water provides drinking water to more than 750,000 people throughout the Tucson metropolitan area. Guided by the One Water 2100 Plan, Tucson Water invests in diversified water supplies, groundwater recharge, conservation and long-term planning to provide reliable water service for current and future generations.
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