drought plan

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Mexico are affected.

The Metropolitan Water District, which supplies drinking water to millions in Southern California, agreed to shoulder California’s share of cutbacks if they’re needed.

The agreement runs through 2026.

The states want congressional approval by April 22 so that Mexico also will contribute water starting next year.

The Colorado River serves 40 million and about 7,812 square miles of farmland in the West.

The drought contingency plan takes the states through 2026, when existing guidelines expire.

Arizona has some work to do but nothing major holding it back.

The Coachella Valley Water District board joined other California water managers in approving in-state agreements earlier this month.