Drought Contingency Plan

An agreement among the seven basin states and the federal government establishing voluntary and mandatory water reduction tiers based on Lake Mead elevation levels. Arizona accepted the largest share of cuts among the lower basin states.

Why this matters

The Tier 2a shortage declaration that triggered the current 592,000 acre-foot cut to Arizona was made under the DCP framework. The plan expires in 2026, and negotiations over its successor have stalled.