The Colorado River will remain in shortage through 2026, federal officials announced, a decision that was expected after an especially poor winter runoff season.

Arizona suffers the largest cuts under the plan outlined Aug. 15, giving up 30 percent of the Central Arizona Project's normal supply.

The Colorado River states are trying to reach agreement on a long-term drought plan as experts foresee "dire" conditions in 2027 and beyond.

Mandatory cuts in Arizona’s Colorado River supplies will remain in place through 2026, federal water managers said Aug. 15, reflecting a poor winter runoff, growing demand and worsening drought.

While the cuts will hold steady on paper, they could hit central Arizona cities harder as mitigation measures for past cuts expire. Water supplies could also tig

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