Case study - The Colorado River, water geopolitics/conflict

Question 1

Colorado basin and water rights?

Answer 1

1. basin of Colorado River most heavily used source of irrigation water in USA
2. water rights between states allocated by Colorado Compact 1922; over next 60 years series of treaties agreed between seven US states + between US and Mexico

Question 2

Treaties

Answer 2

1. ‘Giant plumbing system’ come into being, involving more than 10 major dams to serve water needs of 30mi people
2. 1920s Law of River est the division of water between upper basin states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico + their responsibility to supply lower basin states of Arizona, Nevada and Cali together with Mexico
3. agreement allocated Cali largest proportion of water because of large pop + considerable political power - since been reduced by new developments and legal challenges

Question 3

Farmers

Answer 3

agriculture always done well out of Colorado River, receiving some 80% of water allocation
this is due to farmers and ranchers being their first; in addition, govt supplied water to farmers at low cost to encourage agriculture development

Question 4

City dwellers

Answer 4

the southwest states have become increasingly urbanised - Cali accused of using water that other states may need in future

Question 5

Environmentalists and recreationalists

Answer 5

environmentalist hope to see less recreational activity in wilderness and wetland areas due to damage they cause

Question 6

Indigenous groups

Answer 6

native americans along Colorado River have claims to water rights based on treaties and agreements made between their tribes + federal govt in 1880s

Question 7

Mexican people

Answer 7

Colorado River used so heavily that no longer reaches sea - 90% of its water extracted before it reaches Mexico
local fishermen been forced to move elsewhere, delta reduced in size was water and sediment been retained by huge dams on Colorado + wetlands now barren mudflats