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Is paying farmers to conserve Colorado River water worth the cost?

Jul 2, 2024
Four Western states are paying farmers and ranchers tens of millions of dollars this year to conserve water as part of a short-term plan to save water from the Colorado River.
Four Western states are paying farmers and ranchers tens of millions of dollars this year to conserve water from the Colorado River.
Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images

Federal "Buy American" rules could be stalling infrastructure projects

Oct 26, 2023
Rules to boost the domestic economy now apply to broadband and water equipment. Delays and higher costs can be part of the trade-off.
The Gila River Indian Community develops projects to conserve water. Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said federal rules requiring the use of American-made construction materials can be an obstacle.
SafakOguz/Getty Images

Drought threatens hydropower produced by Colorado River

Jan 25, 2023
Facing a prolonged megadrought, Western states must prep for huge water-use cuts.
Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River. The river supplies hydroelectric power across the West, but it faces dwindling water levels.
Robyn Beck//Getty Images

Water managers float idea of paying farmers to reduce use of Colorado River

Dec 19, 2022
The seven states have until late January to agree on massive water conservation measures or the feds say they’ll impose cuts. 
Officials have proposed using federal money to pay Colorado River basin farmers between $100 and $400 per acre-foot of water conserved. Above, a stretch of the waterway in Arizona.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Arizona grapples with balancing growth and a limited water supply

Sep 15, 2022
On of the state's major sources of water, the Colorado River, has fallen to historic lows.
Rancho Sahuarita has grown fast, and its water utility has had to grow quickly with it.
Megan Myscofski/Arizona Public Media

Water conservation plan for Colorado River remains in holding pattern

Sep 6, 2022
Several states in the West had 60 days to figure something out, and the government hasn't offered much guidance.
Boats are seen in low water at the Antelope Point Marina in Lake Powell on the Colorado River in Page, Arizona, on Sept. 4, 2022.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

An ongoing water crisis means tough choices for Colorado River Basin states

Aug 16, 2022
The seven states can't agree on who should make cuts where. Now the federal government might make those choices for them.
The Colorado River and its reservoirs continue to dwindle. Above, the river flows through Marble Canyon in Arizona.
David McNew/Getty Images

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