The Colorado River system remains in crisis with Lake Mead projected at 31% capacity, triggering another Tier 1 shortage for 2025 and creating pressure for basin states to reach agreement by November 11 on post-2026 operations. The board approved approximately $90 million in conservation program funding, with staff reporting 99% completion of field analysis and over 70% farmer participation in water-saving efforts. Board members also discussed restructuring their meeting format to separate formal business sessions from strategic work sessions, allowing all directors to participate in policy discussions rather than limiting participation through committee structures.
