IntroductionInternational Water Management Agreement • July 7th, 2006
The Seven Basin states recently reached agreement on a far-reaching proposal to improve the management of Colorado River system water through conjunctive management of Lakes Mead and Powell, modification and extension of the existing interim surplus guidelines, and the adoption of shortage guidelines. Perhaps most significantly, this agreement introduces of a series of new mechanisms to increase flexibility within the Lower Basin delivery system and water allocations, including the creation of a new category of water: “Intentionally Created Surplus,” which can be generated through extraordinary conservation measures or the funding of system efficiency improvements, and the recognition of water exchanges.
