TL/DR –
Colorado River experts are suggesting a permanent reduction in the amount of water used by agriculture to address the basin’s water shortage. Agriculture is responsible for about 74% of water used by people in the basin and cities have already reduced their water use in recent decades. However, the idea of permanently cutting the amount of water that goes to agriculture is controversial and some believe it will put the country in danger of not being able to feed itself.
A Radical Solution to the Colorado River Basin’s Water Woes
While the Colorado River Basin struggles with severe water scarcity, a sophisticated group of river experts is proposing a solution that may seem radical to some, but is grounded in historical precedents. They advocate for a permanent reduction in agricultural water use, a sector that accounts for about 74% of the basin’s overall water consumption, according to a study by Colorado River scientists.
This alfalfa field near Carbondale is irrigated with water from the Crystal River. All of the projects in a conservation program that pays water users in the Upper Colorado River basin to cut back involve Western Slope agriculture. CREDIT: HEATHER SACKETT/ASPEN JOURNALISM
Experts Advocate for Permanent Reduction in Agricultural Water Use
Anne Castle, a Colorado River expert and former federal representative to the Upper Colorado River Commission believes that permanent reduction in water usage should be on the table, and agriculture must be part
—
Read More US Economic News