Colorado River Agreement

Total water decreases in the 1,450-mile river, which flows from high-mountain snow northwest of Denver and carves gorges up to a mile deep. Over the past 15 years, warming, in the midst of drought-related climate change, has reduced flows by at least 6%, as shown by studies based on federal hydrology and temperature data. Harris said in an interview this week that it would be premature to comment on a deal to remove the legal right for California and other states to “scream” more water in dry periods. However, he acknowledged that global warming is reducing water in the river. Imperial was then able to choose membership. “Look at all we`ve accomplished through cooperation,” said Brenda Burman, Commissioner responsible for federal advertising, who signed the agreements with country officials. “All states should be commended for finding a way forward.” The federal government regulates water, but states have the rights to it, said Jennifer Pitt, a river expert with the Audubon Society. “There is tension,” she said. “The federal government`s coherent approach is to use this authority as a whip, but never go so far as to claim it.” For decades, the river has been used so much that it rarely reaches the sea. Its delta in Mexico has shrunk, so that only small wetlands remain in a dusty part of the desert. IID`s participation will be crucial to the success of the next round of negotiations, said Dave Roberts of the Salt River Project, which manages water from Arizona`s Salt and Verde rivers. “We`ve all worked closely together,” Burman said, “to make sure we`re using absolutely the best possible information about climate change and future projections for the river.” Meanwhile, at the end of the line, Southern California is thirsty. California has long benefited from the fact that other states do not use all of their endowments.

Well downstream, California diverted unused water that was redistributed to other states. Although 4.4 maf of Colorado water, California used about 5.2 maf in 1997. “It is positive that the countries of the Colorado Basin have implemented a reduction in water use on rivers, but it is unfortunate that our state has decided to extend the river`s water by increasing groundwater pumps,” said Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club`s Grand Canyon Chapter. “Unfortunately, the Arizona plan is unsustainable and aims to preserve Arizona from doing more – unsustainable and thirsty agriculture, and increasing development of urban sprawl.” Yet the Colorado River remains the most important source of water for a growing population of 40 million and 90% of winter vegetable production in the country, one of the most submerged rivers in the world, taking water each year that exceeds natural rain and snow flows.