The Colorado River may see a shortage as soon as next year, and the probability of one in 2017 jumps to 61 percent. If Lake Mead’s water level drops below 1,075 feet, agricultural users of Central Arizona Project water will see a big cut.

Amid worries that crucial multi-state water agreements are beginning to erode due to ongoing drought, representatives of seven Colorado River basin states are meeting in Las Vegas this week.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar says he is encouraged by the yearlong pilot program under way at the Yuma Desalting Plant.

The drought has sent Lake Mead to a low not seen in a lifetime.