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Water managers weigh Colorado River’s future
The annual Colorado River Water Users Association met this week, but for the first time in several years, state water policy leaders say there’s less urgency for short-term fixes and more time to focus on long-term solutions.
New climate report shows impact of drying on human health in Southwest
The arid West is getting drier, and shrinking water supplies pose a boatload of risks to human health throughout the region.
Solar panels will cut water loss from canals in Gila River Indian Community
In a move that may soon be replicated elsewhere, the Gila River Indian Community recently signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to put solar panels over a stretch of irrigation canal on its land south of Phoenix.
Californians bet farming agave for spirits holds key to weathering drought and groundwater limits
Leo Ortega started growing spiky blue agave plants on the arid hillsides around his Southern California home because his wife liked the way they looked. A decade later, his property is now dotted with thousands of what he and others hope is a promising new crop for the state following years of punishing drought in California, Arizona and other Western states, and a push to scale back on groundwate[...]
‘Scoping’ results show new Colorado River rules will face a range of demands
A new federal government report shows Colorado River states are aiming to agree on a plan to cut back on water but remain divided about how to share the shrinking supply among tens of millions across the Southwest.
Land department cancels controversial lease of state land to company growing alfalfa
The state Land Department on Monday canceled one of the controversial leases of state land to a company that has been growing alfalfa for export to Saudi Arabia.
Water cuts force Pinal County farmers to scale back
Farmers in Pinal County left swathes of land unplanted following Colorado River water cuts. Now yielding fewer crops, they’re forced to find alternative ways to survive, as agriculture faces a bleaker future.
Process starts for new era managing Colorado River
Stakeholders sharing the Colorado River have started sending their water policy wish lists to the Bureau of Reclamation as they negotiate new river use guidelines.
As water regulations shift – again – advocates, officials work to cope
As regulators and advocates grapple with the fallout of a Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the Clean Water Act, water lawyer Rhett Larson offers a calming bit of advice: Be like Bruce Lee.
Getting Colorado River water from California farms will take more than just money
The Imperial Valley produces $2.9 billion in crops and livestock each year. That’s because the valley’s Imperial Irrigation District holds the largest single allocation of Colorado River water – bigger than any other farming district or city between Wyoming and Mexico. But now, that water allocation is under increasing scrutiny from water managers looking to cut back on water use and correct[...]
Feds choose new water and science deputy to focus on drought resilience
The U.S. Interior Department has tapped an official with the federal government's water management bureau to serve as a deputy assistant secretary for water and science.
Interior Department official with key role in Colorado River talks is stepping down
A senior Interior Department official who has had a key role in negotiations over the shrinking Colorado River plans to step down from the job next week.
