DENVER — The Colorado River is regarded as the hardest working river in the American West, serving more than 40 million people while supporting agriculture, hydropower and ecosystems.

The guidelines that manage this critical resource expire at the end of 2026, and stakeholders must decide how to share the Colorado River moving forward. That's easier said than done.

The Colorado River Basin is composed of seven states. The Upper Basin states are Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, while the Lower Basin states are Arizona, California, and Nevada. The headwaters of the Colorado River begin in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

The Colorado River also provides water to two states in Mexico and is a crucial resource for 30 tribal nations. Forty percent of the water in Colorado is s

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