Drought conditions continue in American Southwest.
A nonprofit conservation group has published a new report on “America’s Most Endangered Rivers,” citing the Colorado River as the most endangered and calling for urgent action. The Colorado River provides drinking water to more than 40 million Americans and has become the nation’s most vulnerable river amid rising temperatures and punishing drought.
The waterway, which serves 30 federally recognized tribal nations, seven U.S. states, and Mexico as well as some 30 native fish species and 400 types of birds, has reportedly been hindered by outdated water management and climate change. The river is vital to some of the nation’s largest cities, including Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Albuquerque.
Matt Rice, director of the southwest region for American Rivers, described the report as a call to action. He said, “The seven basin states and the Biden administration must work with Tribal Nations and Mexico to act urgently. Failure is simply not an option, given all that depends on a healthy Colorado River.”
Last month, water levels at the system’s Lake Powell storage reservoir dropped below a critical level. It is the nation’s second-largest reservoir. Officials in Washington are beginning to take notice, with one stating, “We’re most likely witnessing the end of this reservoir.”
Lake Mead, likewise, is near record lows. Both the Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell and the Boulder Dam at Lake Mead also provide hydroelectric power across the American Southwest.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Commissioner Touton as she heads the Bureau of Reclamation.
- For Secretary Haaland as she leads the Interior Department.
- For the president and his administration as they consider solutions to the drought in the Southwestern U.S.
Sources: The Hill, Arizona Public Media
