EQ3 Sharing the colarado Flashcards
What percentage of the USA does the Colorado River drain?
7%
The river covers an area 1.1 times the size of France.
How many states does the Colorado River supply water to?
8 states
The states are Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.
What was needed to allocate ‘fair shares’ of the Colorado’s water? Where were they established?
-Numerous treaties and agreements
-These agreements were established among the surrounding 7 states and Mexico.
When was the original agreement regarding the Colorado River made? Why was it different in the past?
1992
-This was at a time when the population was lower.
What factors have outdated the old Colorado River agreements?
Climate change, population growth, economic development, lifestyle changes
These factors have necessitated new agreements.
What is ‘Minute 139’? (Colorado river)
An agreement signed in 2012 between the USA and Mexico
It allows Mexico to store some of its Colorado River water in Lake Mead.
What does ‘Minute 139’ allow water providers in the Colorado River basin to do?
Purchase water that was conserved through improving Mexico’s canals and storage infrastructure
This aims to enhance water conservation efforts.
What are the reasons for increasing demands for water in Colorado?
Increasing urbanization and population growth
What has happened to initial water agreements in Colorado river?
They are out of date due to lower population and climate change impacts.
This has resulted in increased demand and decreased supply.
How much has California reduced their water extraction by from the Colorado river?
20% reduction in water extraction
This reduction affects the overall water availability.
Who are the key players in the water demand scenario in the colorado river?
- Farmers
- City residents
- Environmental protection organizations
- Indigenous groups
- Mexican fishermen
- US government
Each group has distinct interests and impacts on water resources.
What percentage of water allocation do farmers receive from colorado river? Why is it wasted?
80% of water allocation
-Most of this water is wasted due to flood irrigation practices.
What problem arises from urbanization in relation to water demand? (Colorado river)
Increased demand for water from city residents
Urban areas require more water resources to support their populations.
What impact do recreational uses have on lakeshore areas? (Colorado river)
-Threatening lakeshore areas
-Increased recreational activities by people affect the natural environment.
What historical agreements do Indigenous groups have regarding water rights? (Colorado river)
Agreements from the 1880s
-These rights are now being questioned and leading to legal disputes.
