Addressing the over-appropriation of the Colorado River requires the Bureau of Reclamation to evolve in its role as “watermaster.” Understandably, the focus over the past decades has been administration of existing water delivery contracts, improved “system operations” and, since the early 2000s, short-term administration of water shortages. Acknowledgement of “long-term” challenges requires “long-term” responses. A three-pronged approach may prove the recipe for success.
Tag Archives: US Bureau of Reclamation
Negotiations on the Colorado River Part I: Despite Low Drought Figures, Colorado River Basin States Must Remain Vigilant
What is missing from the map of the United States right now? Well in general, drought is missing. According to a recent US Drought Monitor, the contiguous United States had the lowest reading of overall drought in the 17 year history of the weekly service. For the week of May 2nd, only 4.98% of the contiguous US had some form of drought. According to the USA Today, the lowest prior reading for the US was 7.7% of the US in drought, set in July 2010. It also compares favorably to a record high of 65.5% of the US in some form of drought set in September 2012. Continue reading