A water grab is taking shape in Utah, where thirsty urban development north of Salt Lake City has created demand where supplies are limited.

Lead negotiators from the Colorado River’s Upper Basin states expressed a dual sense of uncertainty and urgency on Tuesday, as a deadline to determine the fate of the entire system looms near. “If you are in the Upper Basin states or probably anywhere across the West,

State officials from the Upper Basin said they need to have something done by this summer, even as existing agreements are in place until 2026.