The Board of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District voted today to authorize the District to act swiftly in protecting its water users in the rapidly developing legal circumstances surrounding Colorado River operations.  This authorization is a necessary procedural step required by Arizona law that ensures CAWCD can protect and defend its rights should legal action become appropriate. Today’s Board action, in conjunction with its prior authorization of $12 million in litigation funding, signals that CAWCD is fully prepared to take future legal actions if a need for such action develops.

CAWCD encourages the Lower Basin States to finalize and execute a Lower Basin agreement to provide stability for water users during this time of uncertainty. Further, the Upper Basin States must be required to implement cuts to their water uses and should not be allowed to increase their uses while the Lower Basin states are making historic and painful sacrifices.

“Our top priority is finalizing a three-state Lower Basin deal,” said Brenda Burman, CAP general manager. “If litigation becomes necessary, the Board has taken action to ensure that we are in a position to defend our rights.”