A
Sustainable
River
For decades, management of the Colorado River has largely operated as a demand-based system. This demand-driven model faces critical limitations in the face of a changing climate: we cannot use more water than the Colorado River provides.
The Problem with
Demand-Based
Operations
The fundamental flaw of a demand-based system lies in its assumption of a consistent and sufficient water supply. This is not a reasonable expectation given the depleted storage and ongoing drought caused by climate change.
The Solution:
Embrace Supply-Based
Operations
A more sustainable future for the Colorado River requires a fundamental shift towards supply-based operations. This paradigm prioritizes managing water resources based on the actual, available water supply within the Basin.
★ Solution: Living Within the River’s Means
Supply-based management acknowledges the natural variability of the Colorado River and adjusts operations to respond to water supplies. This means recognizing that in drier years, less water will be available for use across all sectors.
★ Solution: Responsibility to Respond to Supply
This model necessitates a shared understanding among all water users that in times of scarcity, reductions in water use will be necessary across all sectors.
★ Solution: Increased Water Use Efficiency and Conservation
Recognizing the constraints of supply inherently encourages and incentivizes greater water use efficiency and conservation measures in agriculture, municipalities, and industry.
★ Solution: Building Resiliency
Rebuilding storage at Lake Powell and Lake Mead to increase water security in dry years is critical.
Transitioning to a supply-based operational framework for the Colorado River is not a simple task.
Transitioning to a supply-based operational framework for the Colorado River is not a simple task. By shifting from a demand-driven to a supply-driven approach, the Colorado River Basin can become more sustainable into the future. Acknowledging the natural limits of this vital resource can help ensure its long-term health and resiliency for generations to come.