The Mystery of Colorado River’s True Reach
The Colorado River’s water supply is a lifeline for nearly 40 million people across the Western United States, stretching from Wyoming down to northern Arizona. Yet, the precision of this figure is under scrutiny. Michael Cohen, a senior fellow at the Pacific Institute, questions its accuracy, suggesting that the true number may be less than 40 million.
According to Cohen, discrepancies in reports and estimates about the river’s reach could influence the bargaining power of states and cities during these times of extended drought. The commonly cited figure originates from a 2012 study by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, yet subsequent analyses appear to revise this number.
A 2015 report by the Bureau estimated that about 34 million people in the U.S. are served by the Colorado River Basin’s water. This is lower than the 40 million often quoted, and Cohen argues it might still be overestimated.
For instance, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s service area is said to include 18 million people, but Cohen contends that the actual number is closer to 12.3 million, based on district documents.
In a recent blog post, Cohen adjusted the estimate to around 35 million people, taking into account regional population growth and existing infrastructure limitations.
The implications of these figures are significant. As Cohen explains, accurate data is crucial for determining financial investments, understanding who benefits from the river, and preparing for potential crises. He highlights that, “If we don’t measure it, then how are we going to take action to stabilize the system?”
Moreover, the Colorado River’s water isn’t only used by the main stem; it includes tributaries and serves rapidly expanding areas in northern Mexico, complicating the picture further.
In addition to population figures, uncertainties persist regarding the exact amount of water used and the agricultural lands irrigated by the Colorado River. Moreover, while progress has been made in acknowledging Native American tribal water rights, many remain unquantified, adding another layer of complexity for future water management.
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