In recent years, an imbalance between the river’s flows and how much water users are promised has forced federal officials to consider steps never taken before.
Record low levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell prompted the federal government to look at how it might impose cuts to keep hydropower generation going at the nation’s largest reservoirs.
The $233 million pact with the Gila River Indian Community, announced in Phoenix, was hailed as an example of the kind of cooperation needed to rescue the river.
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