Despite a years-long drought and water evaporating due to rising temperatures, states such as California, Arizona and Nevada continue to rely on the river in the absence of a long-term solution. One year ago, after negotiations between state governments failed, the federal government intervened and set mandatory cutbacks in usage of the river’s water supply. The story of the Colorado River should serve as a warning sign for the world: Even developed Western countries will face crises if water resources aren’t properly managed. Israel, on the other hand, is sitting pretty. … The strength of Israel’s water economy is clear: As large swathes of Europe and the U.S. struggle to cope with water shortages, Israel has dramatically reduced its dependence on naturally occurring drinking water.