Alex Hager

If they can't reach a deal for sharing the shrinking water supply, the federal government will likely force big, unpopular cutbacks that could trigger lawsuits.

Now, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico are calling for a mediator to join those talks and help states lay down their swords.

Becky Mitchell represents Colorado.

It's not clear exactly who would mediate the talks.

Colorado's Mitchell says it should be a decision among all seven states that use the river's water.

For NPR News, I'm Alex Hager in Phoenix.

As the states have fought and failed to come up with an agreement about how much water each state gets, the Colorado River's ecosystems and endangered species have really fallen by the wayside.

Federal officials will send water from Wyoming and Utah down to Lake Powell.

They'll also reduce the amount of water that flows out of Powell and into the Grand Canyon.

Dropping water levels are threatening the infrastructure inside the dam that holds Powell back, and shuffling water around will help keep the system running for now.

Eric Balkin directs the nonprofit Glen Canyon Institute.

Leaders from seven Western states are under pressure to agree on a plan to reduce that consumption from the Colorado River, but their negotiations have hit a standstill.

For NPR News, I'm Alex Hager in Phoenix.

Federal officials will send water from Wyoming and Utah down to Lake Powell.

They'll also reduce the amount of water that flows out of Powell and into the Grand Canyon.

Dropping water levels are threatening the infrastructure inside the dam that holds Powell back, and shuffling water around will help keep the system running for now.

Eric Balkin directs the nonprofit Glen Canyon Institute.

Leaders from seven Western states are under pressure to agree on a plan to reduce that consumption from the Colorado River, but their negotiations have hit a standstill.

For NPR News, I'm Alex Hager in Phoenix.

The plan would send Colorado river water into Powell from upstream reservoirs.