Water conservation in the Colorado River Basin is a pressing issue that officials in four states, including Colorado, are currently addressing through negotiations with the federal government. The goal is to establish a new agreement that will not only conserve water but also provide credit to protect against potential cutbacks in the future. With prolonged drought, a changing climate, and overuse straining the water supply for 40 million people in the region, this initiative is crucial for the sustainability of the Colorado River.
Currently, water conserved on a farm simply reenters streams and can be used by anyone downstream. The proposed program aims to track, count, and store this conserved water so that it can benefit the four Upper Basin states – Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This initiative comes in response to feedback from Coloradans who have been advocating for a conservation credit program to recognize and incentivize water-saving efforts.
Farmers, ranchers, and other water users in the region are already being paid to reduce their use of Colorado River water through programs like the System Conservation Pilot Program. While these programs have led to water savings, they have not required tracking and storing the conserved water. Critics argue that without proper tracking and storage, conserved water could simply flow downstream to be used in the Lower Basin, undermining the intended conservation efforts.
After years of deliberation and study, the Upper Colorado River Commission has intensified its efforts to establish a conservation-for-credit program. The commission aims to draft an agreement by the end of September that will outline criteria for projects that can potentially conserve water for credit. This includes regulations, calculations for conserved water, and how the program will be managed.
The potential benefits of this program include using the credits to fulfill interstate water sharing obligations in case of severe drought conditions that may trigger mandatory cuts in the Upper Basin. However, the establishment of such a program raises questions about equity, funding, economic impacts, and feasibility. It is essential to ensure that the program does not disproportionately impact any particular region or group of water users.
Furthermore, the coordination of this program with ongoing negotiations among all seven Colorado River states to determine rules for water management in the main reservoirs, such as Lake Powell and Lake Mead, adds another layer of complexity. Any credits gained before 2026 will be counted but cannot be used until after the new rules are in effect.
Overall, the establishment of a conservation-for-credit program demonstrates the Upper Basin’s commitment to reducing water use and addressing the supply and demand imbalance in the Colorado River system. By taking action to conserve water and using taxpayer money to support these efforts, officials are working towards a more sustainable future for the Colorado River Basin.