States that rely on the Colorado River are at an impasse in talks on rules to address water shortages. California, Arizona and Nevada are at odds with other states.

Amidst the backdrop of Las Vegas, pivotal negotiations are unfolding as seven states and Mexico deliberate over the Colorado River's future. With the river's agreements set to expire in 2026, states are urgently seeking innovative solutions to address the diminishing water supply that sustains over 40 million people.

The seven states can’t agree on who should feel the pain of water cutbacks during dry times. The river is getting smaller due to climate change, and states need to come up with new rules to share its water.

States agree that climate change is making the Colorado River less reliable, but at a water conference, they did not meet to talk.

Before the Colorado River Water Users Association conference started Wednesday in Las Vegas, some attendees trekked out to Boulder City for a tour of Hoover Dam

Seven states rely on water from the Colorado River. They’ve split into two camps and have made “zero progress” ahead of current apportionment rules expiring in 2026.