Arizona and Nevada have reached an agreement to trade for desalinated water from the Pacific Ocean. This deal, involving a decade-old treatment plant in San Diego County, California, aims to leave more water in the Colorado River, which is crucial for states facing severe shortages.

The collaboration highlights a proactive approach to addressing the ongoing drought and ensuring long-term water security in the American West. Officials from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, San Diego County Water Authority, Arizona Department of Water Resources, and Southern Nevada Water Authority celebrated the agreement at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant.