A federal proposal announced Friday would require California, Arizona and Nevada to take less Colorado River water as western states continue fighting over how to manage the strained river system, according to Times of San Diego and the Associated Press. The plan could bring collective Lower Basin cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet annually through 2036, depending on hydrologic conditions.

Federal officials said the framework is meant to give the basin flexibility while the states continue working toward a longer-term agreement. The cuts would be among the largest yet for Lower Basin states and could affect cities, farms, groundwater use, conservation requirements and water prices across the region.

The Santee connection is the imported-water chain. Padre Dam Municipal Water District says it imports 100% of its drinking water supply from the San Diego County Water Authority, and that Padre Dam water comes from the State Water Project and the Colorado River Aqueduct. Padre Dam also says Colorado River water makes up about half of San Diego County’s imported water supply.

That does not mean Santee customers should expect an immediate local restriction from this proposal alone. It does mean decisions on the Colorado River remain part of the long-term cost and reliability picture for East County water agencies, especially as local providers continue investing in recycled water and the East County Advanced Water Purification program.

Source: Times of San Diego; local water-supply context from Padre Dam Municipal Water District.