The Colorado River is the lifeline of the American West. It provides water to 40 million people across seven U.S. states, two states in Mexico, and dozens of Tribal Nations. It irrigates the fields that grow our food, sustains fish and wildlife, and keeps cities alive. But after decades of overuse, combined with record drought and rising temperatures, the river is running out of time.

We are facing an undeniable emergency. The Bureau of Reclamation has the authority—and the responsibility—to act. Yet right now, the federal government has no clear standard to define what counts as “reasonable” and “beneficial” water use. That means wasteful practices like flooding desert crops year-round, watering ornamental grass, and inefficient industrial cooling continue unchecked, even as the river’s reservoirs sink to record lows.

This is unacceptable. No one is asking farmers, families, or communities to bear the burden alone. But we cannot afford to waste what little water is left. Every gallon must be managed wisely, with an eye toward fairness and long-term survival. If we fail, we risk not only collapsing ecosystems, but also losing the very foundation of the region’s economy and food security.

We call on the Bureau of Reclamation to:

• Establish a clear and enforceable definition of “reasonable and beneficial use” of Colorado River water.
• Begin regular reviews of water use to ensure waste is being reduced across the Lower Basin states.
• Incentivize sustainable farming practices and urban water conservation to preserve this shared resource for future generations.

The Colorado River is more than just a water supply—it is a living system, and our children’s future depends on how we care for it today. The Bureau of Reclamation must step up now and use its authority to stop waste, protect the river, and secure a sustainable future for all who depend on it.

Sign today to demand urgent action to preserve the Colorado River before it’s too late.

AP Photo/Matt York