The State of Nebraska filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court against Colorado for the suspected violation of the 1923 South Platte River Compact, this act limits Colorado's use of the water and defines how much Nebraska can receive during summer irrigation and winter non-irrigation (October 15 to April 1) season.

 

This lawsuit alleges that Nebraska has been deprived of their water rights during irrigation season by Colorado. Further, the compliant originally fell under the Supreme Court's jurisdiction so Nebraska is arguing that the court's input is required.

According to a statement from the Nebraska Governor, Colorado is allowing unlawful water diversions and obstructing the state's effort to construct the Perkins County Canal - a proposed canal that would divert water from the South Platte River in Colorado into southwest Nebraska.

"Today's action will ensure that Nebraska receives all the water to which it is entitled to under the Compact and that Nebraska's agriculture and economy are protected.," said Attorney General Mike Hilgers in a statement, "Our suit has two basic elements: First, it challenges Colorado's ongoing, unauthorized overuse of Nebraska's water during the summer and the rationale Colorado uses to justify it. Second, we challenge Colorado's efforts to obstruct the construction of the Canal and prevent Nebraska from accessing the additional water Nebraska is entitled to in the South Platte River Compact. Water is the essential lifeblood of Nebraska's economy, and it's my goal to protect one of the state's most important assets."