What are the implications for Colorado River water users in Arizona if the guidelines expire without a new operating plan?
In response to drought and declining reservoir levels, in 2007 the seven states that share Colorado River water agreed to new guidelines for managing the system. Since then, the states have agreed to additional measures to avoid critically low lake levels.
The 2007 guidelines and additional measures will expire in 2026, and the states have not yet agreed to a new plan for the Colorado River.
Read our latest explainer to find out more about the implications for water users in Arizona: