LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — "Immediate and substantial reductions" in Colorado River water use could be needed much sooner than anyone predicted, according to a study published last week.

The problem: People are using more water than the amount that has been coming down the river and it could reach a tipping point by the end of next summer, a University of Colorado study suggests. That means hard choices are ahead unless a very wet winter rescues 40 million water users along the river.

A repeat of conditions this year — near-average snowpack (91% of normal), but streamflow levels projected at 52% of average — could put new pressure on the river.

"If next year is a repeat of this year and uses of water remain the same, we estimate that consumptive use will exceed the natural flow in the Colorado

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