Western states dependent on the Colorado River have less than two months to finalize an agreement on water management as the deadline looms. The federal government is urging these states to reach a compromise ahead of the expiration of current operating rules at the end of 2026. If an agreement is not achieved by February 14, the federal authorities will implement their own plan. At a recent three-day conference hosted by the Colorado River Water Users Association in Las Vegas, top water officials from Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming discussed ongoing issues. They emphasized the need to decide which water users will need to make sacrifices to ensure the stability of the Colorado River, which is facing significant challenges due to over-allocation, climate change, and increasing demand. John Entsminger, Nevada’s chief river negotiator, highlighted the stagnation in negotiations, stating that states have been reiterating their positions without progressing toward a solution. The seven states have been at an impasse for nearly two years, even as water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell are projected to decline to record lows due to poor snowpack in recent years. This year, water flow into the river was only 56% of the average, exacerbating the situation. The Bureau of Reclamation has projected that inflow into the Colorado River will likely be 27% lower than normal in the coming year, with potential worst-case scenarios indicating even further decreases. Without substantial snowfall this winter, Lake Powell could drop to levels that halt hydropower production by next October, affecting downstream states. Amid these challenges, federal officials have increased efforts to facilitate a consensus among states. Scott Cameron, Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the imminent expiration of current agreements. The Bureau plans to release proposals to replace existing operating guidelines soon. While states express commitment to find a consensus, California's major water districts indicated willingness to set aside legal positions for a multi-state agreement. However, a long-term strategy for managing low river flows appears unlikely. Entsminger suggested that a short-term five-year deal focused on water releases and storage might be the most achievable goal given current circumstances.