Confronting the Crisis: How the Decline of the Colorado River Threatens 40 Million Lives Across Seven States

Earlier this year, a group of environmental organizations petitioned the federal government to address water waste from the drought-stricken Colorado River. They want to ensure that the water is used only for “reasonable” and “beneficial” purposes.

The groups are particularly focused on states in the river’s Lower Basin—California, Arizona, and Nevada—where water shortages are becoming increasingly serious. With a deadline in 2026 for new water-sharing rules, they emphasize that reaching a preliminary agreement by mid-November is crucial to avoid federal intervention.

Chronic overuse and climate change have led to dwindling water supplies. According to recent data, the Colorado River supports around 40 million people, including communities across seven U.S. states and parts of Mexico.

Mark Gold, an adjunct professor at UCLA, warns, “We don’t have a management future for the Colorado River right now, and it’s getting pretty scary. We should treat this like a water scarcity emergency.”

The Bureau of Reclamation has not yet responded to the petition but stated that it continues to operate under existing agreements to manage the river’s water levels.

What Do “Beneficial” and “Reasonable” Mean?

The concepts of “beneficial” and “reasonable” water use are not clearly defined in current regulations. Cara Horowitz, director at UCLA’s Environmental Law Clinic, noted that past decisions from the Bureau on this matter are vague and lack clarity. She believes that a reformed process is necessary for determining whether states are using water sensibly.

Experts share mixed feelings about defining what constitutes reasonable use. Sarah Porter from Arizona State University notes the complexity, saying, “It’s a can of worms we need to approach carefully.”

The petitioners argue that farmers, for example, should shift to less water-intensive crops. They cite year-round flood irrigation in deserts as an example of wasteful practices.

Concerns from Stakeholders

California’s Imperial Valley, which relies entirely on Colorado River water, faces potential cuts that could impact food production. Farmer Andrew Leimgruber expressed worries that reducing water access could threaten the supply of winter vegetables.

Bill Hasencamp, from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, supports annual reviews to ensure water is used effectively, but he cautions that new definitions might lead to legal disputes.

Learning from California

Some experts suggest California’s constitution as a model for managing reasonable use of water. Felicia Marcus, a fellow at Stanford, notes that California has adapted its definitions over time to respond to changing conditions. For example, they have restricted non-essential water use during droughts to preserve resources.

Experts recommend exploring a range of strategies to tackle water shortages, such as limiting growth in arid areas and expanding wastewater recycling. Current research indicates that better management of water resources is essential as critical deadlines loom.

Facing tough choices, some believe it’s time for the Bureau of Reclamation to take stronger actions. As Marcus states, “The bureau has the responsibility to manage the river effectively. If they don’t, these issues may end up in court, dragging on for years.”

For further details on environmental policy, you can visit AP News.

Source link

California,Colorado,Mexico,water use and conservation