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: water management
COVID-19 Economic Recovery and the Colorado River Basin: Part 3: Rethinking the Over-Appropriated Colorado River
The historical narrative of the Colorado River focuses on how to address the rapid economic development in the Lower Basin relative to the pace of economic development in the Upper Basin. The economic recovery of Colorado River Basin states from the COVID-19 disruption will turn the historical narrative on its head.