Record-low snowpack has hurt Upper Basin states while Lower Basin ones will feel the pain should new federal guidelines go into place.

The lake provides water to millions of Southern California residents.

The seven states that rely on the drought-stricken Colorado River have been unable to agree on a plan to share the water. ​So the Bureau of Reclamation intervened with the new plan.

The program isn't the first to offer money in exchange for using less water. But it comes at a critical time for the river.

After basin-state negotiations collapsed, federal officials proposed two-year operating rules that prioritize reservoir flexibility while leaving future dam upgrades to separate reviews before a decision.

The Colorado River Indian Tribes hold 23% of Arizona's river allocation, but say they weren't consulted on the final shortage plan.

The Phoenix area has been preparing for water shortages for years. Through engineering and trades, water will keep flowing.

The federal government announced its plan to curb Arizona’s use of Colorado River water starting next year. Valley leaders say their cities are ready.

Kremmling, a small town of 1,600 nestled in the Rockies, is close to water — it hugs the Colorado River and is near man-made lakes normally filled with kayaks and pontoons. But this year, much of that water never came.