Latest news with #Basin
2 days ago
- Politics
Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will again get less Colorado River water in 2026
DENVER -- Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will again live with less water from the Colorado River as drought lingers in the West, federal officials announced Friday. The Colorado River is a critical lifeline to seven U.S. states, 30 Native American tribes, and two Mexican states. The cuts are based on projections for levels at federal reservoirs — chief among them Lake Powell and Lake Mead — released every August by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Arizona will again go without 18% of its total Colorado River allocation, while Mexico loses 5%. The reduction for Nevada — which receives far less water than Arizona, California or Mexico — will stay at 7%. California won't face any cuts because it has senior water rights and is the last to lose in times of shortage. Decades of overuse and the effects of long-term drought worsened by climate change means there's far more demand for water than what actually flows through the river. Low reservoir levels at Lake Mead have triggered mandatory cutbacks every year since 2022, with the deepest cuts in 2023, which hit farmers in Arizona the hardest. Meanwhile, the states are working to reach agreement by next year on new long-term rules to govern the river in dry years. The Trump administration gave a mid-November deadline for states to reach a preliminary agreement, or risk federal intervention. Negotiations have faced delays as states push back against how much water they should each give up. The original 1922 Colorado River Compact was calculated based on an amount of water that doesn't exist in today's climate. That leaves the Upper Basin states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah to share far less water after the required amount is sent to the to the 'Lower Basin' states of Nevada, Arizona and California. Lots of water is also lost to evaporation and leaky infrastructure. Fairly splitting the river's water in the era of climate change has been vexing for years, with all of the major users hesitant to give anything up as they anticipate a drier future. There has to be enough water in the reservoirs to reach the tunnels that usher water downstream, and ideally, even more water for hydropower generation. Key infrastructure like the Hoover Dam rely on certain water levels in Lake Mead to generate electricity. Mandatory cuts and emergency water releases are 'reactive," said John Berggren, a regional policy manager at Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit focused on climate change. 'If we are going to be able to have a sustainable Colorado River and not just be responding to crisis after crisis, we need large amounts of flexibility built into this new set of guidelines," he said. 'We can and must do better. Nature isn't waiting for us,' said Becky Mitchell, Colorado's commissioner in the Upper Colorado River Commission. States are considering a so-called natural flow approach to managing the river — where the Lower Basin would receive a certain percentage of the average natural flow from the prior few years. The Lower Basin states have helped stave off deeper cuts by coming up with voluntary conservation plans. 'Absent all of those measures, the river would be in a very bad place,' said J.B. Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and a board member for the Imperial Irrigation District, the largest user of the river's water. Still, he knows California, like others, will likely have to give up more in the negotiations. Dozens of conservation projects along for Upper Basin states and tribes are in limbo. President Donald Trump froze yet-to-be-distributed Inflation Reduction Act funds on his first day in office, which included nearly $400 million for those projects. The entire Colorado congressional delegation signed a letter earlier this month urging the release their portion of those funds. ___ This story has been corrected to remove a reference to the third year of cuts in the headline. The cuts announced Friday are set for 2026, which will be the fifth year. ___ Associated Press journalists Amy Taxin in Tustin, California, and Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colorado, contributed to this report. ___
2 days ago
- Politics
Arizona, Nevada and Mexico get less Colorado River water for a third year
DENVER -- Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will again live with less water from the Colorado River as drought lingers in the West, federal officials announced Friday. The Colorado River is a critical lifeline to seven U.S. states, 30 Native American tribes, and two Mexican states. The cuts are based on projections for levels at federal reservoirs — chief among them Lake Powell and Lake Mead — released every August by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Arizona will again go without 18% of its total Colorado River allocation, while Mexico loses 5%. The reduction for Nevada — which receives far less water than Arizona, California or Mexico — will stay at 7%. California won't face any cuts because it has senior water rights and is the last to lose in times of shortage. Decades of overuse and the effects of long-term drought worsened by climate change means there's far more demand for water than what actually flows through the river. Low reservoir levels at Lake Mead have triggered mandatory cutbacks every year since 2022, with the deepest cuts in 2023, which hit farmers in Arizona the hardest. Meanwhile, the states are working to reach agreement by next year on new long-term rules to govern the river in dry years. The Trump administration gave a mid-November deadline for states to reach a preliminary agreement, or risk federal intervention. Negotiations have faced delays as states push back against how much water they should each give up. The original 1922 Colorado River Compact was calculated based on an amount of water that doesn't exist in today's climate. That leaves the Upper Basin states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah to share far less water after the required amount is sent to the to the 'Lower Basin' states of Nevada, Arizona and California. Lots of water is also lost to evaporation and leaky infrastructure. Fairly splitting the river's water in the era of climate change has been vexing for years, with all of the major users hesitant to give anything up as they anticipate a drier future. There has to be enough water in the reservoirs to reach the tunnels that usher water downstream, and ideally, even more water for hydropower generation. Key infrastructure like the Hoover Dam rely on certain water levels in Lake Mead to generate electricity. Mandatory cuts and emergency water releases are 'reactive," said John Berggren, a regional policy manager at Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit focused on climate change. 'If we are going to be able to have a sustainable Colorado River and not just be responding to crisis after crisis, we need large amounts of flexibility built into this new set of guidelines," he said. 'We can and must do better. Nature isn't waiting for us,' said Becky Mitchell, Colorado's commissioner in the Upper Colorado River Commission. States are considering a so-called natural flow approach to managing the river — where the Lower Basin would receive a certain percentage of the average natural flow from the prior few years. The Lower Basin states have helped stave off deeper cuts by coming up with voluntary conservation plans. 'Absent all of those measures, the river would be in a very bad place,' said J.B. Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and a board member for the Imperial Irrigation District, the largest user of the river's water. Still, he knows California, like others, will likely have to give up more in the negotiations. Dozens of conservation projects along for Upper Basin states and tribes are in limbo. President Donald Trump froze yet-to-be-distributed Inflation Reduction Act funds on his first day in office, which included nearly $400 million for those projects. The entire Colorado congressional delegation signed a letter earlier this month urging the release their portion of those funds.
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Arizona, Nevada and Mexico get less Colorado River water for a third year
DENVER (AP) — Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will again live with less water from the Colorado River as drought lingers in the West, federal officials announced Friday. The Colorado River is a critical lifeline to seven U.S. states, 30 Native American tribes, and two Mexican states. The cuts are based on projections for levels at federal reservoirs — chief among them Lake Powell and Lake Mead — released every August by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Arizona will again go without 18% of its total Colorado River allocation, while Mexico loses 5%. The reduction for Nevada — which receives far less water than Arizona, California or Mexico — will stay at 7%. California won't face any cuts because it has senior water rights and is the last to lose in times of shortage. Decades of overuse and the effects of long-term drought worsened by climate change means there's far more demand for water than what actually flows through the river. Low reservoir levels at Lake Mead have triggered mandatory cutbacks every year since 2022, with the deepest cuts in 2023, which hit farmers in Arizona the hardest. Meanwhile, the states are working to reach agreement by next year on new long-term rules to govern the river in dry years. The Trump administration gave a mid-November deadline for states to reach a preliminary agreement, or risk federal intervention. Negotiations have faced delays as states push back against how much water they should each give up. The original 1922 Colorado River Compact was calculated based on an amount of water that doesn't exist in today's climate. That leaves the Upper Basin states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah to share far less water after the required amount is sent to the to the 'Lower Basin' states of Nevada, Arizona and California. Lots of water is also lost to evaporation and leaky infrastructure. Fairly splitting the river's water in the era of climate change has been vexing for years, with all of the major users hesitant to give anything up as they anticipate a drier future. There has to be enough water in the reservoirs to reach the tunnels that usher water downstream, and key infrastructure like the Hoover Dam rely on certain water levels in Lake Mead to generate electricity. Mandatory cuts and emergency water releases are 'reactive," said John Berggren, a regional policy manager at Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit focused on climate change. 'If we are going to be able to have a sustainable Colorado River and not just be responding to crisis after crisis, we need large amounts of flexibility built into this new set of guidelines," he said. States are considering a so-called natural flow approach to managing the river — where the Lower Basin would receive a certain percentage of the average natural flow from the prior few years. The Lower Basin states have helped stave off deeper cuts by coming up with voluntary conservation plans. 'Absent all of those measures, the river would be in a very bad place,' said J.B. Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California and a board member for the Imperial Irrigation District, the largest user of the river's water. Still, he knows California, like others, will have to give up more in the ongoing negotiations.
Vancouver Sun
17-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Luxury thermal spa coming to the Canadian Rockies and reservations open this week
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise's much-anticipated thermal spa finally has an opening date. The new indoor-outdoor facility — called Basin Glacial Waters — was inspired by the long-established practices of Nordic sauna culture and will offer views of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, with the latter serving as the water source. Blending the five-star luxury of the iconic hotel and the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains, this contemporary interpretation of a traditional bathhouse is poised to become Canada's premier wellness destination. It will officially open its doors Sept. 15. The all-sensory thermal bathing experience of Basin was consciously designed to provide hotel guests with an immersive and luxurious space for reflection, restoration and vitality. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The concept was realized by acclaimed architect and designer Matteo Thun. 'Capturing the spirit of Lake Louise was at the heart of the architectural intention, to respect the richness of the landscape with a design that represents simplicity, purity, and the uniqueness of the location. Nature and the beautiful surroundings of the lake and the forest become the protagonist – architecture and interior the stage,' Thun said in a statement. Wellness seekers are invited to explore self-guided circuits that include the traditional Finnish and bio saunas, the multi-sensory Aufguss sauna, steam rooms, hot stone massage room and the silent salt relax room, where a glowing wall of Himalayan salt naturally ionizes the air. Also, there is a series of diverse temperature pools, including the reflexology pool and infinity pool, spanning onto the outdoor terrace. Two wet treatment rooms further enhance the thermotherapy cycle. One room is modelled on a traditional Hammam for full body exfoliation. The hotel has also curated step-by-step wellness journeys – named Trails – for a preferred wellness outcome. The Stillness Trail, for example, is a gentle sequence chosen to soothe the nervous system for a deep rest. The Presence Trail offers grounding and awareness, for counteracting the effects of jet lag. Basin combines solo spaces for introspective pause or meditation and spaces for quiet social gathering. And the views of the iconic Lake Louise and forest create a connection to the stunning natural surroundings. The Glacier Lounge, a communal space for rehydrating and restoration, serves up light fare freshly prepared, elixirs, tonics, nootropics and adaptogens. Champagne and craft beverages are available for those extra special moments. Guests seeking a wellness-inspired resort stay can explore the new facility with the Basin Signature Retreat, offering Basin access, a Glacier Lounge tasting and a guided wellness experience in the alpine environment. Wellness-focused activities also include group forest bathing, a silent meditation walk and a cold plunge with guided breathwork in the glacial waters of Lake Louise. Hotel guests can book advanced reservations for the Basin Signature Retreat and Basin spa starting this Friday, July 18 at 10:00 MST . Proof of an overnight stay will be required. Access passes for non-hotel guests will be introduced at a later date. For more information, visit Basin Glacial Waters' website .
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'For us they fell'
May 26—MOSES LAKE — Communities across the Basin bowed their heads, removed their hats and paid tribute Monday to those who gave their lives in service to their country. "When peril threatened and their country called, they left their paths of peace to spring to arms to make their bodies a barricade against the nation's foes," Ken Slininger, an Air Force veteran and American Legion member, read at the Memorial Day ceremony in Quincy. "The sorrow for the loved ones left behind could not dim the purpose in their souls. No horror of the field, sea or air could beat their courage down. They fought for us; for us they fell." Memorial Day dates to the years just after the Civil War, according to an email from Jane Montaney, a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Ephrata. Originally, the date was May 30 every year, but in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance to the last Monday in May so it could be part of a three-day weekend, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Association. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veterans organizations held ceremonies Monday in Moses Lake, Quincy, Ephrata, Soap Lake, Ritzville and Othello. Many included a color guard, a 21-gun salute and a bugler playing taps. The Soap Lake ceremony attracted 30-50 people, Montaney said, and the one at Ephrata a few more. The memorial at Quincy drew a crowd of about 200 people, and included songs by the Veterans Operation Creation Choir. At the Grant County International Airport, another ceremony honored a specific set of fallen: the 87 servicemen who died in a plane crash Dec. 20, 1952, at what was then Larson Air Force Base. The men, who had been serving in the Korean War, had won a lottery giving them a chance to go home for Christmas on a flight dubbed Operation Sleigh Ride. The crash was the deadliest air disaster in history up to that time. The deceased of Operation Sleigh Ride, 82 passengers and five crew members, are commemorated at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at Grant County International Airport. About 30 people gathered at the memorial. Million Air General Manager Mark Bonaudi read the names of the deceased one at a time as attendees came forward and deposited a rose at the memorial for each one. "Having made it out of the Korean Theater of Operations, out of combat, out of harm's way, these lives were tragically taken," Bonaudi said. The president's annual Memorial Day proclamation calls upon the people of the United States to pray for peace according to their individual faith, according to the National Cemetery Service. "In memory of those we honor today, may we pledge our own service and devotion," prayed Chaplain Ken Holloway at the Quincy memorial. "And dear Lord, please lead us this day to the day where the guns no longer fire, granting us the peace for which so many others have died."
