Federal government announced less water deliveries to Colorado River

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Federal officials announced over the weekend that there will be major cuts to water deliveries to the Colorado River for the next two years.

The Department of Interior has approved a new plan that will reduce the water deliveries by 1.2 million acre feet each year between Arizona, California and Nevada.

Dr. Ali Mohammed from the Agriculture Center says he believes Yuma will receive more water because of the high priority.

"Yuma water district, the seven water districts have senior rights and if it would be some reduction currently it will be less as we have a high priority in the region," Dr. Mohammed said.

Arizona will see the biggest cut in a 30% reduction of water allocation at over 700,000 acre feet.

This will also play in effect towards the agriculture as farmers could see less crops and produce.

"Hope this will be less impact at Yuma currently, but after the two years, we have to be prepared very well in order to minimize this impact, as we are a very productive region in the entire nation," Mohammed said.

Federal officials say the new guidelines are designed to protect the Colorado River system while negotiations continue over its long-term future.