Climate Mayors in the West Urge Federal Action to Combat Declining Colorado River Flows

A group of mayors from Western cities is urging federal and state leaders to tackle water scarcity as climate change impacts the Colorado River and other critical water sources.

The bipartisan coalition, known as Climate Mayors, recently presented proposals aimed at the Trump administration and state governments. They emphasized the need for federal and state funding to develop new infrastructure and water-saving initiatives. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who leads Climate Mayors, pointed out that the river was allocated during much wetter times. Now, every part of the river is feeling the pressure of climate change.

“The Colorado River is in a tough spot,” Gallego said. “We need to discuss solutions and make it a priority for all levels of government.” The mayors are calling for increased funding for projects like wastewater recycling and localized stormwater capture.

Drought-related crises are on the rise. Research shows that since 2000, the river’s average flow has plummeted. Recent data highlights that 90% of scientists agree that human-caused climate change is a significant factor.

“The challenges we face in the Colorado River Basin require teamwork,” the mayors noted. “We can’t keep using water the same way with ongoing shortages.”

Around 350 mayors nationwide belong to Climate Mayors. The new water management proposals come from a diverse group of mayors from cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Culver City.

The mayors have called on the Interior Department and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to ensure sustainable management of the Colorado River. Currently, discussions about new management rules for the river, set to take effect after 2026, are stalled due to disagreements between states.

Gallego stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation in tackling these issues. “We need the federal government to prioritize water resources,” she said. Failing to reach an agreement could lead to legal battles and delays in necessary progress.

In 2021, the federal government declared the first water shortage on the Colorado River, signaling escalating challenges. Programs funded by the federal government have temporarily helped communities save water. For instance, California farmers have been compensated for leaving some fields unwatered.

Recent reports indicate that the snowpack in the Rocky Mountains is below average, further threatening water supplies. As of now, Lake Powell is only 34% full, and Lake Mead is at 31% capacity.

Cities like Santa Monica and Las Vegas have made gains in water conservation. They have reduced usage through recycling and incentivized residents to replace lawns with drought-resistant landscaping.

Agriculture remains the biggest water user, soaking up about 75% of the river’s flow. To address this imbalance, the mayors suggest engaging agricultural stakeholders in discussions about shared goals and solutions.

Mark Gold from the Natural Resources Defense Council advises that cities are leading in sustainable management but agriculture needs to catch up. “Collaboration is key,” Gold stated. He believes federal involvement is also crucial for moving negotiations forward.

“Effective water management won’t come cheap,” Gold added. “We need support so that costs don’t fall entirely on people’s bills.”

The discussions led by Climate Mayors provide a promising step forward in addressing the complex and urgent water challenges facing the West today.



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