After years of failed negotiations, can a new federal plan for the Colorado River help states share the water?

The Colorado River has been under strain for years from hotter temperatures and prolonged drought. It supplies drinking water to tens of millions of people and provides irrigation for more than 5 million acres of farmland.  And demand has been growing for a shrinking supply. The seven states that rely on water from the river have spent years trying - and failing – to agree on how to divide up less water.  Now the federal government has stepped in with a plan that could mean steep cuts for some users, especially in the lower-basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada.  So, what does the proposal mean for Colorado? And does it help solve the problem? Luke Runyon is co-director of The Water Desk, an environmental journalism initiative at the University of Colorado.  He joined Erin O’Toole to explain some of the details. * * * * *Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!  Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner  Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.