9367 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9367
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: Proceedings
• USFW Year: 1992.
• USFW - Doc Type: Colorado Water Workshop July 22-24, 1992.
• Copyright Material: NO

I have heard it said that water is sacred to people in the Colorado
River basin. In reality today, the federal government substantially
controls the operation of the entire Colorado River with its CRSPA
reservoirs. They sit there with their computer, punch buttons and
gates open and water flows. They have it right in their hands. Then
when it gets to the Glen Canyon, they control it until it reaches
Mexico. It is possible that a federal master could be appointed on
the rivers at some time, but he actually would not do much more than
the Bureau of Reclamation is doing right now. One additional thing
that he might do is shepherd water from one state to another, if there
was some reason to do so, i.e. if a state was trying to take more than
their allocation.
I recognize there is a wide concern that once the Lower Basin
starts using water, the Upper Basin is not going to be able to get it
back. I do not really believe that. In the negotiations that are now
going on, Jim Lochhead can tell you that one of the Governor of
California's proposals describes how they intend to cut back to their
allotted use. I guess when it comes right down to it we are like the
farmer at the head of the ditch. We have a shovel in our hands and
when we take that water they are going to have to come to us to get
it back. It would be a lot different if the California population was
here and we were down at the bottom of this creek. California is
going to have to come here to get it. I am suggesting that they are
not going to do so in the foreseeable future.

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