Use of Colorado River water in the river’s lower basin fell to a 33-year low in 2019. Arizona, California, and Nevada consumed just over 6.5 million acre-feet last year, about 1 million acre-feet less than the states are entitled to use under Colorado River Compact. River water consumption hasn’t been that low since 1986. “It shows that the expectation that a growing population and a robust agricultural economy require more water is wrong,” according to John Fleck of the University of New Mexico.
“It’s quite a turnaround from where we were a decade ago and really, I think, optimistic for dealing with chronic shortages on the river in the future.”
Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
The drop in water consumption indicates that conservation efforts are working. River water levels have been below planning and management levels for decades due to the effects of climate change and the constant droughts that impact the region. “It’s quite a turnaround from where we were a decade ago and really, I think, optimistic for dealing with chronic shortages on the river in the future, knowing that we can turn the dial back and reduce demand significantly, all three states combined,” said Bill Hasencamp, the manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a regional wholesaler and one of the river’s largest users.
Read more about the unfolding crisis water managers have been dealing with on the Colorado River.