The Colorado River and Its Water Saving Agreement
One of the biggest users of the Colorado River, farmers in Imperial Valley, has recently made an agreement with the federal government to reduce their water usage for the next two years. This agreement will help in preserving the overused and threatened river, with support from San Diego.
The Imperial Irrigation District’s board has announced a plan to compensate farmers for skipping some harvests over the next two years, aiming to keep around 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead, the river’s largest reservoir. San Diego is also in discussions with Imperial Valley to assist farmers in reaching this goal by selling back some of the water it purchases from the valley.
After recent rainy years broke a long period of drought, San Diego County Water Authority finds itself with more water than it currently needs. Facing budget cuts and rate increases, the Authority is looking to save money through agreements like the one made last year with Imperial Valley and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Last year’s deal generated $20 million in savings for San Diego, resulting in a 3% reduction in water rates for residents. In exchange, the federal government will pay Imperial Valley a significantly higher price per acre-foot of water, compared to the district’s current cost. Crops such as Alfalfa, Bermuda, and Klein grass – known for their high water usage – will be targeted for water conservation.
The federal government had previously called for a reduction in water demand by all Colorado River users, including the seven U.S. states and Mexico. This agreement marks a step towards meeting conservation goals and ensuring the sustainability of the Colorado River until 2026.
