Arizona May Have To Cut Back On Water Use in 2020, Outlook Says

Arizona will avoid a water shortage next year, but water users may be forced to cut back in 2020, according to a new federal report released Wednesday.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s outlook comes as Arizona managers and stakeholders work to finalize a drought-contingency plan in time for the next legislative session. Overallocation, climate change and long-term drought have contributed to Lake Mead’s decline, where water levels hover just a few feet above shortage triggers.