The Colorado River system provides water to over 40 million people across U.S. states, tribal nations, and Mexico. And it’s been in drought conditions since the year 2000. This year, Lake Mead is at record low levels. In an effort to stave off a water disaster, the Department of the Interior has announced new operating guidelines for the Colorado River system, which include a roughly 20% cut to California, Arizona, and Nevada’s water over the next two years. The plan also leaves the door open for further cuts in the next ten years. The Gila River Indian Community, a federally recognized tribe in Arizona, has been at the negotiating table with the federal government during talks about the future of the Colorado River basin’s water. They’ve also been working to stabilize the water system using their 600,000 yearly acre-feet of water. In the past ten years, the tribe has contributed over a million acre-feet of conservation water to Lake Mead. “That’s not just talking the talk, that’s walking the walk,” said Stephen Roe Lewis, governor of the Gila River Indian Community. “That’s over 15 feet in elevation, which is the difference today between crisis and disaster.” “Marketplace” host Amy Scott spoke with Governor Lewis about making sure the Gila River Indian Community is not subjected to further compulsory cuts to its water use, as climate change continues to threaten the Colorado River and the people who rely on its water. To listen to their conversation, use the audio player above.