The Colorado River spans an impressive 1,450 miles, cutting through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states. It serves as a captivating centerpiece of the renowned Grand Canyon, a globally recognized natural marvel. However, its significance goes beyond its breathtaking beauty. The livelihoods of approximately forty million individuals rely on the river for crucial water resources and hydroelectric power. Additionally, the river supports a diverse ecosystem of fish and wildlife, coexisting with humans.
The Colorado River, the seventh largest river in the United States, is experiencing a concerning problem – it is drying up. Nowadays, it rarely even reaches the ocean. Brian Richter, the President of Sustainable Waters at the World Wildlife Fund, is deeply concerned about this issue. He co-authored a recent study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, which highlights the alarming fact that human consumption of the river’s water is putting it at risk. The researchers warn that if we don’t reduce our use of the river’s waters, there could be severe consequences for the 40 million people who rely on it, as well as all those who visit the area.
The researchers analyzed primary data on the utilization of the abundant waters of the Colorado River between 2000 and 2019. By incorporating data on crops and other pertinent factors into their models, they were able to establish a comprehensive water budget that accounted for the consumption of this invaluable resource by individuals during this period. They took into account various human activities, including agricultural and industrial uses, as well as the provision of running water to meet the needs of the local population through municipal channels.
According to the author, irrigated agriculture is found to be responsible for 74% of direct human water usage and 52% of overall water consumption. The author emphasizes that water used for agriculture exceeds the combined total of all other direct uses by three times. In particular, cattle feed crops like alfalfa and other grass hays account for 46% of all direct water consumption.
Our fixation on beef and dairy products plays a significant role in this complex issue, as Richter’s previous research in Nature Sustainability has demonstrated. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the dire state of the Colorado River. As explained in the recent study, “As the river nears its outlet in the Gulf of California in Mexico, after nourishing numerous cities and farms along its 2330-kilometer course, only a mere trickle of water remains from the once mighty Colorado River of the American Southwest.”
According to Richter, there has been a concerning trend of water consumption surpassing the river’s annual replenishment by approximately 20% within the last two decades. This has resulted in the need to tap into the water reserves of the country’s two largest reservoirs, namely Lake Mead and Lake Powell. The situation has become so dire that by the end of 2022, these reservoirs were depleted to a staggering three-quarters of their capacity.
If we continue consuming water at this rate, it will have serious consequences for millions of Americans and Mexicans living in the affected regions. The scarcity of water will directly impact food growers, causing shortages that will extend beyond the immediate areas. The local residents will be forced to ration water in order to avoid widespread shortages, but even these measures may only provide temporary relief.
According to Richter, the main reason behind this impending problem is the large amount of water required for food production. He highlights that approximately 90% of the water used by humans directly is used for irrigated agriculture. Big Agriculture, being a major player in this sector, is unlikely to give up its privileges easily. Richter points out that farmers in the Colorado River Basin, for instance, hold some of the highest-priority water rights. Therefore, the dominant use of water for agriculture is not expected to change rapidly unless there is some form of compensation for farmers relinquishing a portion of their water rights.
The farmers have valid reasons to feel a sense of ownership over the river. In 1902, when the Bureau of Reclamation was established, the American government funded the construction of dams and farms to provide irrigation for nearby farms and store spring runoff. The idea of public use of the Colorado River implies that the agricultural sector, which is the most crucial industry in American society, has the right to access and utilize its resources.
In 1922, the Colorado River Compact was established to ensure a fair distribution of water between the Upper and Lower Basins among the seven American basin states. This agreement has shaped the mindset of businesses in the American west for over a century, instilling the belief that the government’s role is to support their pursuit of profit from nature’s resources rather than impose constraints.
According to Edith Zagona, the director of the University of Colorado’s Center for Advanced Decision Support for Water and Environmental Systems, the limitations on water resources are becoming more crucial. Zagona attributes the current crisis to the growth of population centers in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in or near the Basin. Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Albuquerque, and Phoenix have experienced significant population growth during this time. As these cities continue to expand, the demand for water not only increases for urban infrastructure but also for the growing agricultural sector that provides food for these populations.
Zagona explained that the rise of urban populations has created a strain on water resources. Historically, farmers have held the majority of senior water rights on the river due to priority water rights laws. However, with cities having the financial means to pay more for water, there has been a shift in water usage from agriculture to urban areas. This shift is a result of cities purchasing senior water rights from farmers.
According to Zagona, the cycle of competing water demands between urban water use, agriculture, environmental services, and Indigenous water rights continues to persist. As states continue to develop their water use infrastructure, there is an increasing emphasis on urban water use. This results in a greater competition for water resources with agriculture, as well as the preservation of environmental services and Indigenous water rights.
Americans rely heavily on the Imperial Irrigation District in California for their winter supply of leafy green vegetables. In fact, more than 90% of the leafy green vegetables consumed during this season originate from this district. This highlights the significant role that this agricultural region plays in providing fresh and nutritious produce to the American population.
According to Mark Squillace, a law professor at the University of Colorado Law School, higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation and evapotranspiration, as well as reduced soil moisture. This ultimately results in a decrease in available water. Squillace also highlights the concern of diminished soil moisture, as it leads to significantly less runoff into reservoirs.
When the snow melts, it seeps into the parched soil, leading to a significant decrease in runoff. This phenomenon has been observed in the Colorado River basin, where climate scientists have noted higher temperature increases compared to other regions in the West, according to Squillace.
According to Zagona, climate change models have conflicting projections regarding changes in precipitation in the Basin. Some models show an increase in precipitation, while others show a decrease. However, there is a consensus among experts that the overall trend is towards warming, which will undoubtedly impact the runoff and ultimately the amount of water that flows into the river.
Richter highlighted the detrimental effect of climate change on the Colorado River’s capacity to support human communities.
According to Richter, climate scientists have estimated that the river has already experienced a 10% decrease in its water flow as a result of climate warming. He further warns that we should anticipate an additional loss of 10 to 30% by the middle of the century. Consequently, the required reductions in water usage will continue to increase as time goes on.
According to Sharon B. Megdal, director of the University of Arizona’s Water Resources Research Center, the solutions to this problem have been identified. The key finding from this paper is not just the fact that agriculture utilizes a significant amount of the Colorado River’s water, but rather the specific details surrounding its consumption.
Photo courtesy of Brian Richter: Irrigation of cattle-feed crops, specifically alfalfa and grass hay, is responsible for consuming one-third of the water taken from the Colorado River. This includes the water used within the Imperial Irrigation District of California.
According to Medgal, the modification of agricultural practices, including irrigation methods and crop selection, cannot be expected to occur instantly. However, there are ongoing pilot projects and initiatives aimed at promoting irrigation efficiency.
“The federal government plays a crucial role in facilitating this process – they have the ability to generate the necessary sense of urgency that compels state and water agency negotiators to make difficult decisions,” Marcus emphasized. “However, it is important to note that it is considered political suicide to appear as though you are relinquishing water to another party, or even allowing the river to flow naturally. Nonetheless, if the federal government exercises its legitimate authority and mandates such actions, there is greater flexibility in navigating these challenges.”
In a 2022 article published in the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, Richter highlighted successful examples of government intervention in addressing the issue. He found that cities reliant on the Colorado River have managed to decrease their water usage by 18% despite experiencing significant population growth (+24%). This achievement can be attributed to the implementation of various water conservation strategies, including the adoption of variable water-pricing structures, incentives for turf removal, rebates for toilet replacements, and other plumbing retrofits.
“We must ensure that farmers reduce their water usage in line with the required reductions,” Richter emphasized. “To achieve this, we must assist farmers in transitioning to crops that are less water-intensive. Additionally, we may need to decrease the overall size of farmland. However, it is crucial that we approach this transition thoughtfully and strategically, so as not to compromise productive cropland or jeopardize food security.”
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