Millions rely on dwindling Colorado River — but are kept ‘in the dark’ about fixes, critics say

Talks among seven states to solve the water shortage on the Colorado River are at an impasse.

The closed-door negotiations are being held in undisclosed locations, and environmentalists say the lack of information leaves the public “in the dark.”

The Colorado River, which provides water across the Southwest, has lost about 20% of its flow in the last quarter-century, and its depleted reservoirs continue to decline. But negotiations aimed at addressing the water shortage are at an impasse, and leaders of environmental groups say the secrecy surrounding the talks is depriving the public of an opportunity to weigh in.

Representatives of the seven states that depend on the river have been meeting regularly over the last two years trying to hash out a plan to address critical shortages after