The most cost-effective and quickest way to conserve the Colorado River’s shrinking water supply amid persistent drought and rapid population growth is changing how states handle the largest use of water on the river: agriculture. … That’s according to a comprehensive study examining 462 federally funded Colorado River conservation and supply projects using available spending data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. … The water projects examined – ranging from large-scale infrastructure such as reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants to agricultural water use – totaled about $1 billion in federal funding between 2004 and 2024.

Other Colorado River news:

• Aspen Daily News (Colo.): New idea for the Colorado River hits old roadblocks
• Pinal Central (Casa Grande, Ariz.): Pinal water leaders see big challenge in Colorado River talks
• Utah News Dispatch (Salt Lake City): Opinion: As the Colorado River slowly dries up, states angle for influence over future water rights
• Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix): Opinion: Efficiency from all 7 basin states is the path forward
• The Land Desk: Blog: Limiting the Colorado River conflict