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Bill

HR 8113

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a feasibility study on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Celeste Maloy and 1 co-sponsor

HR 8113 authorizes a feasibility study for selective water withdrawal technology at Glen Canyon Dam to potentially improve downstream environmental and water quality conditions in the Colorado River.

Introduced in House
0
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Bill Summary · HR 8113

Legislative bill overview

HR 8113 directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona. This system would allow water to be released from different depths of Lake Powell, potentially improving water quality and environmental conditions downstream in the Colorado River. The bill authorizes this technical and environmental assessment without mandating implementation.

Why is this important

Glen Canyon Dam's current operations release water primarily from the reservoir's deepest, coldest layers, which has degraded downstream ecosystems and affected Native American communities and recreation. A selective withdrawal system could release warmer, oxygenated water from upper lake levels, potentially restoring natural river conditions. This study addresses decades of environmental concerns while navigating complex water rights, competing stakeholder interests, and the dam's critical role in regional water supply and hydroelectric power generation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and feasibility uncertainty: Selective withdrawal systems are technologically complex and expensive; the study may reveal prohibitive costs that limit practical viability
  • Impact on water storage and power generation: Changing release patterns could affect Lake Powell's capacity to store water during wet years and reduce hydroelectric power output, affecting regional electricity prices and reliability
  • Competing water needs: The Colorado River Basin faces chronic water scarcity; environmental improvements must be balanced against water demands from Nevada, California, Arizona agriculture, and growing southwestern populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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