Colorado River Reckoning: Drought, Climate and Equal Access

Published: June 11, 2021, 5:01 p.m.

The Colorado River supplies water to more than 40 million people across seven states. Lake Mead has fallen to its lowest level since it was filled in the 1930s, which could trigger the first stage of real water cutbacks.\nFor years, \u201cmuch of the discussion in the Colorado River Basin has been who gets the next drop,\u201d says journalist Luke Runyon. \u201cThe conversation very recently has shifted to who has to use less.\u201d\nIn the midst of long-term drought, warming temperatures and decreasing runoff, water managers are gearing up for the next round of negotiations to divvy up the Colorado River\u2019s supply in the future. Tribal water users are hoping to have a bigger say in those basin-wide negotiations, and to finally correct an historic injustice by ensuring universal access to clean water for tribes.\n\nPlease consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our work. Go to climateone.org/donate to help us reach our goal of $10,000 by July 1. \nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices