Dear PHTA Member:
On May 22, 2023, the Bureau of Reclamation, which is part of the Department of Interior, announced that the seven states that are part of the Colorado River Compact (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) have agreed to a plan to conserve at least an additional 3 million acre-feet (MAF) of Colorado River water. Under the agreement, which would include significant voluntary reductions by Arizona, California, and Nevada, at least half of that total will need to be conserved by the end of calendar year 2024 with the rest to be conserved by the end of calendar year 2026.
It is estimated that between other previous agreements Arizona has made and yesterday’s agreement, Arizona would account for about 55% of the overall reductions, while California would account for approximately 30% and Nevada 6%.
The federal government will spend $1.2B from the Inflation Reduction Act to compensate cities, tribes and water districts for much of the conserved water.
The plan does not directly impact pools or pool builders. What remains to be seen is how the individual states will implement this through directives or guidance to municipalities and other local governments to achieve these water reduction goals. We have solid data and strong talking points that pools and spas are not water wasters and will continue to advocate on your behalf. Further, PHTA will be monitoring this situation closely to determine how each of the states in the Compact will implement these water reductions and keep membership updated.
Please reach out to me with any questions.
Warm regards,
Justin Wiley
Vice President, Government Relations,
Standards and Codes