Coping with Scarcity - Water Management Lessons from the Colorado River Basin

A conference presentation at the Georgia Water Resources Conference examines the critical challenges and adaptations of the Colorado River system in response to climate change and increasing water demands. Explore how this iconic river, experiencing a 20% flow reduction in the 21st century, serves as a case study for managing complex water systems under pressure. Learn about innovative agreements and policies implemented to balance reduced water usage during dry periods, including modifications to century-old interstate compacts, modernized reservoir operations, and strategic conservation initiatives. Discover how hydropower revenue supports endangered species recovery while maintaining water diversions, and understand the intricate relationships between multiple stakeholders including 29 Native American tribes, agricultural interests, urban developments, and Mexico. Delve into future challenges requiring deeper delivery cuts, equitable burden-sharing among basin states, ecosystem restoration projects at the Salton Sea and Sea of Cortez, and the critical need to ensure clean water access for Native American reservations. Gain insights into salinity management, environmental protection measures, and the evolving framework needed to address projected water scarcity in one of America's most vital river systems.