After years of drought, population growth, and climate change, the Colorado River is in danger of drying up. To prevent this, Arizona, California, and Nevada have agreed to take less water from the river, with the federal government providing $1.2 billion in payments to irrigation districts, cities, and Native American tribes. This agreement will reduce water use by 13%, and is expected to require significant water restrictions for residential and agricultural uses.
The agreement is only in place until 2026, and the seven states that rely on the river will need to come up with a long-term solution. The Biden administration is hopeful that the states can work together with the federal government to address the challenge of the Colorado’s decline.
The agreement is a victory for the Biden administration, and a relief for the states involved. It is a reminder that, with the right incentives, states can come together to protect a vital resource.