Experts warn historic Colorado River deal falls short in addressing long-term crisis.

A recent agreement between California, Arizona, and Nevada to reduce their use of the Colorado River by 13% over the next three years is only a temporary solution to a long-term water crisis in the American west. The river's flow has declined by 20% since the turn of the century due to a "megadrought" and global heating. The future of the river, which supports 40 million people and millions of acres of cropland, remains precarious. A longer-term deal is needed to address the mismatch in supply and demand, which may require compromises, lawsuits, and compensation.