… Today, the Rio Grande-Bravo water basin is in crisis. Research published Thursday says the situation arguably is worse than challenges facing the Colorado River, another vital lifeline for western U.S. states that have yet to chart a course for how best to manage that dwindling resource. Without rapid and large-scale action on both sides of the border, the researchers warn that unsustainable use threatens water security for millions of people who rely on the binational basin. They say more prevalent drying along the Rio Grande and persistent shortages could have catastrophic consequences for farmers, cities and ecosystems.

Other Rio Grande news:

• KUNM (Albuquerque, N.M.): Future drought will likely change large migratory bird patterns to New Mexico
• The Land Desk: Blog: Something’s gotta give on the Rio Grande