Colorado River users form panels on supply ..

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Water managers from seven states, Indian tribes and conservation groups are pledging to find ways to wring more from every drop of water in the drought-stricken Colorado River.

Officials ended a meeting Tuesday in San Diego promising an update by the end of the year on the work of panels representing municipal, agricultural, environmental and tribal interests.

Looming shortages are predicted on the river serving some 40 million people in Utah, California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming. Mexico also has a stake.

A December report concluded that the river might not be able to meet demands of the regional population by 2060.

Bureau of Reclamation chief Michael Connor says 2013 could be the fourth-driest year in the basin in the past 100 years. Last year was the fifth-driest.

The Associated Press

Colorado River users form panels on supply concern