States Served by the Colorado River's Freshwater

The Colorado River and its tributaries provide freshwater to seven U.S. states and two Mexican states. Within the U.S., the primary beneficiaries are:

• Colorado (headwaters state)
• Utah
• Arizona
• Nevada
• California
• Wyoming (upper basin)
• New Mexico (upper basin)

The river supports 40+ million people, irrigates 5.5 million acres of farmland, and generates hydroelectric power. Its management is governed by the 1922 Colorado River Compact and subsequent agreements.