From the Bureau of Reclamation:
The Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation welcome the signing of Minute 334 and the collaborative approach that was undertaken to complete this agreement on Colorado River operations through 2028 by the United States and Mexico. The agreement advances collaborative, innovative and practical measures to manage challenging hydrologic conditions, including shared water use reductions, salinity management, continued evaluation of new water sources and desalination.
Interior and Reclamation remain focused on collaboration, flexibility and continued work with the seven basin states, the 30 basin tribal nations, and Mexico to sustain the river for farms and ranches, communities, energy, and natural resources. We will continue to build on today’s progress.
Minute 334 of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, “Colorado River Basin Cooperative Measures through December 31, 2028,” was signed on September 2, 2026, in El Paso, Texas, and approved by the United States and Mexican governments. The Secretary of the Interior signed the Record of Decision for the Decision Framework for Colorado River Guidelines: Coordinated Operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead (2027–2036), along with the Colorado River Guidelines for Coordinated Operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead for Operating Years 2027 and 2028 on Aug. 21, 2026.
