Wet year promises to boost Colorado River reservoirs, ecosystems
The network of pipes and massive bathtubs that is the Colorado River Basin’s reservoir storage system is going to see some recovery this year thanks to higher-than-average snowpack. That’s a promising sign for aquatic habitats in need of a health boost. Overuse and a 23-year drought have drawn down the water stored in reservoirs across the basin, which spans seven states, 30 Native American tribes and part of Mexico. Recently, one of the basin’s largest reservoirs, Lake Powell, even needed emergency releases from upstream reservoirs, including Blue Mesa Reservoir in western Colorado, to safeguard against a looming crisis. As most water officials and experts will emphasize, one good year of snow won’t solve the crisis.
Related articles:
- Time: Colorado River drought crisis is fostering a more collaborative U.S.-Mexico relationship
- Arizona Daily Star: Colorado River agreement punts on drastic cuts and difficult negotiations
- Popular Science: Colorado river evaporation affects big reservoirs
- NPR: The Colorado River deal won’t be enough to save the river long term, experts say
- High Plains Journal: Western states reach Colorado River water deal
- Sierra Club: Blog - Drops of hope along the Colorado River
- Grist: Taking on big coal to protect Navajo water
