One of the primary human impacts on the Colorado River is the extensive agricultural industry that the river’s water supports. The Colorado just was named The United State’s Most Endangered River as its supplies are overdrawn and polluted. This not only impacts the lives of fish, and other organisms, but also could have a catastrophic toll on the economy and the people who depend on it. Additionally, the water levels are expected to shrink, even without the overdraw as climate change is leading to less snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, which is consequently leading to less runoff to feed the river (Water to Supply).
Irrigated agriculture uses over 70% of the water supply within the basin and in Mexico. Only 10% of the 256,000-square-mile cropland that is dependent on the Colorado River for water does not require irrigation, leaving a whopping 90% that needs water. However, recently strategies are beginning to be discussed in regards to reducing water usage. Michael Cohen of the Pacific Institute stated, “We know water supply and demand don’t match up and it will get worse going forward. We know there is much to be done; the question is how much and where, and how to get there.” Other cities, states, and agencies are starting to work together to strategize water usage reduction strategies. Although there is a long way to go, hopefully the human impact on the Colorado River will be reduced in the agricultural sector (Water to Supply).
Irrigated agriculture uses over 70% of the water supply within the basin and in Mexico. Only 10% of the 256,000-square-mile cropland that is dependent on the Colorado River for water does not require irrigation, leaving a whopping 90% that needs water. However, recently strategies are beginning to be discussed in regards to reducing water usage. Michael Cohen of the Pacific Institute stated, “We know water supply and demand don’t match up and it will get worse going forward. We know there is much to be done; the question is how much and where, and how to get there.” Other cities, states, and agencies are starting to work together to strategize water usage reduction strategies. Although there is a long way to go, hopefully the human impact on the Colorado River will be reduced in the agricultural sector (Water to Supply).
Above is a farmer in the Yuma Valley, California. The Yuma Valley is dependent on the Colorado River for all water needs.
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-sej-colorado-river-arizona-20150719-story.html
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-sej-colorado-river-arizona-20150719-story.html