Coalition warns Colorado River could drop to critical lows, calls for 9 urgent reforms

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Environmental groups warn the Colorado River may reach critical lows by next year.

The coalition suggests nine reforms, including reducing water use and halting new dams.

Federal officials face criticism for lack of transparency in river management processes.

Editor's note: This article is published through the Colorado River Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative supported by the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Colorado River could reach dangerously low levels as soon as next year under dry conditions, and environmental groups say leaders aren't acting quickly enough to address the crisis.

To mark the start of the new water year on Oct. 1, the Great Bas