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Last modified
7/14/2011 10:11:26 AM
Creation date
9/30/2006 10:09:44 PM
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Publications
Year
2001
Title
Layprson's Guide to the Colorado River
CWCB Section
Interstate & Federal
Author
California Water Education Foundation
Description
Layprson's Guide to the Colorado River
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<br /> <br />about the effect such changes were having on the <br />overall ecosystem of the Colorado River. In fact, <br />some thought the changes to be beneficial to the <br />environment. Manmade dams have adversely <br />affected native fish by causing alterations in their <br />habitats, restricted or prevented spawning migration, <br />provided favorable conditions for many new fish <br />species and caused their populations to be depleted <br />to the brink of extinction. Additionally, the introduction <br />of exotic plants, intentional and accidental, has led <br />to native plants struggling for existence. Changing <br />public values and a greater awareness about <br />ecosystems and the importance of keeping them <br />healthy have generated governmental and private <br />efforts to lessen and mitigate some of the impacts <br />caused by harnessing the waters of the <br />Colorado. <br /> <br />Achieving a careful balance among <br />agricultural, urban, tribal and envi- <br />ronmental needs is the key to managing the <br />waters of the Colorado, but if has long been <br />a difficult goal to achieve. Discussion between parties <br />in the Upper Basin states (New Mexico, Utah, <br />Wyoming and Colorado) and the Lower Basin states <br />(California. Nevada and Arizona) about how best to <br />use the river's water continues. Presently, about 80 <br />percent of Colorado River water is used by agricul- <br />ture. Some believe that changing the use of Colorado <br />River water, through voluntary transfers of water from <br />agricultural to municipal purposes. may be an <br />important way to address projected water shortages <br />in fast-growing urban centers of the Southwest. <br />Others disagree with this approach. <br /> <br />For the past several years, the Lower Basin has been <br />using either close to or beyond its full basic appor- <br />tionment of 7.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River <br />water. This level of demand is expected to continue, <br />leaving the question: where is more water for the <br />rapidly growing Lower Basin going to come from? <br />Temporary solutions have included use and storage <br />of surplus flows, conservation measures and <br />improved water management. In conjunction with the <br />other states using the river and the federal govern- <br />ment, California is close to implementing its <br />"Colorado River Water Use Plan" intended to reduce <br />its use 01 the river (see page 21). <br /> <br />The Upper Basin, behind its Lower Basin neighbors <br />in developing the river's waters because of smaller <br />populations, smaller economies and shorter growing <br />seasons, must now develop its apportionment while <br />also protecting the environment and meeting the <br />recovery projects of several endangered fish <br />species. To recover depleted native fish populations, <br /> <br />multi-species conservation efforts have been initiated <br />in both the Upper and Lower basins. A backbone of <br />the programs involves preserving populations and <br />genetic diversity by stocking native fish in selected <br />areas throughout the Basin. For example, in the <br />Upper Colorado River where the natural hydrograph <br />of the river has not been as altered by dams and <br />diversion structures as on the Lower Colorado. <br />Stricter federal and state environmental laws, such <br />as the Endangered Species Act (ESA). are intended <br />to ensure that new water and power <br />projects along the river are <br />constructed and operated in a <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />manner which conserves and <br />protects species. Increased attention to the Mexican <br />delta. the historic Colorado River wetlands south <br />of the border, also is generating discussion (see <br />page 27). <br /> <br />Within both basins. water is "liquid gold:' The need <br />for more water is gradually opening the doors for <br />the buying and selling of water and creating a <br />business in order to meet the demand. Inter-basin <br />water transfers (the moving of water from one basin <br />to another). water banking (the storing of water for <br />future use) in off-stream storage sites, and conjunc- <br />tive use (the practice of managing and using both <br />groundwater and surface water to meet demands) <br />are other possibilities the Lower Basin is consider- <br />ing to fill the gaps in its growing water demands in <br />urban areas. Some believe water transfers are no <br />longer a trend. but a permanent component of water <br />management. <br /> <br />Although over 75 years have elapsed since the <br />signing 01 the Colorado River Compact, the river <br />remains one of the most sought alter, complex and <br />controversial water resources in this country. <br /> <br />This Layperson's Guide, part of a continuing series <br />publiShed by fhe Water Education Foundation, traces <br />the history of the Colorado River's development and <br />summarizes the compromises that have resulted <br />in the division of its waters among the seven basin <br />states. the Republic of Mexico and American <br />Indian tribes. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />The Colorado pike11lilll/(J\\~ <br />olle ofihe rirer'sfoltr <br />endangered fish, is found <br />ollly ill ihe UpP{''- Basin. <br /> <br />3 <br />
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