California is proposing a radical plan to tackle its water shortage crisis: tapping into the Colorado River. The proposal, which is still in its early stages, is aimed at providing another source of water to the state, which has suffered from extended periods of drought and is now facing the consequences of climate change.
The Colorado River is one of the most important water sources in the West and is shared between seven states and two countries, Mexico and the U.S. California’s proposal involves diverting some of the water from the 1,450-mile-long river to the state’s Central Valley, where it will be used to irrigate crops, fill reservoirs, and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The proposal has been met with some criticism, with some arguing that diverting the water would have a negative impact on nearby communities, as well as on ecosystems downstream. However, California officials insist the plan will be beneficial in the long-run, claiming it will help the state to better manage its water resources and address the effects of climate change.
In order to make the proposal a reality, California must reach an agreement with the other states and Mexico that share the Colorado River, as well as secure the necessary federal and state permits. If the proposal goes forward, it would represent a significant shift in how water is managed in the West, and could potentially be a model for other states facing similar water shortages.