Watershed deal to keep Colorado River flowing

LOS ANGELES - The Colorado River in the US is drying up at an alarming rate.

California, Arizona and Nevada have agreed to take 13 percent less from the drought-stricken river.

A 25-year drought and worsening climate conditions have severely impacted the Colorado basin.

The crisis has put water supply to 40 million people at risk.

It also threatens electricity generation throughout the American West.

States have previously been reluctant to reduce consumption despite the river reaching a critical state.

Under the new plan, the states will cut water usage, with Arizona taking the biggest hit.

The Colorado River flows through Mexico and seven US states, including The Grand Canyon.

"The entire Western United States is on the frontlines of climate change -- we must work together to address this crisis and the weather extremes between drought and flood," California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a release welcoming the agreement.

"California has stepped up to make significant cuts to water usage and now, this historic partnership between California and other Lower Basin states will help maintain critical water supply for millions of Americans as we work together to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River System for decades to come."

President Joe Biden hailed the agreement as "an important step forward in our efforts to protect the stability of the Colorado River System in the face of climate change and historic drought conditions." 

- Additional reporting AFP