Context Setting: Why y the Colorado River? And the the role le of - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Water Risk in the Colorado River: An Exploration of Private Sector Solutions Context Setting: Why y the Colorado River? And the the role le of ENG ENGOs in in pr priv ivate sector solutio lutions ns May 07, 2020 Rachel O’Connor | Environmental Defense Fund | roconnor@edf.org

The Colorado River Basin stretches through two countries, the United States and Mexico. The river supports: • 40 million people. 11 National Parks. • • 29 federally recognized tribes. • 5.5 million acres of farmland.

The Colorado River Basin includes some of the driest states in the country.

The Basin also includes some of the fastest growing states.

Colorado River Basin states contain 57,000 square miles critical habitat for 181 th threatened and endangered sp species. s.

Colorado River Water Supply and Use Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3

What role can ENGOs play? Dual approach: local communities + statewide and basinwide stakeholders We We are in an era where every drop of water needs to serve mu multiple purp rposes. We We aim to work collaboratively with partners to develop pr proactive, rathe her tha han n reactive, mana nagement and nd po policy sol soluti tion ons. s. We We look for mu multibenefit sol soluti tion ons th s that c t can su suppor ort th t thriving co communities, eco conomies and eco cosyst stems.

DCP Implementation Source: Office of the Governor, “DCP by the Numbers” https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2019/01/brief-arizonas-drought-contingency-plan

De Devel elop opmen ment of of grou oundwater er res esou ources es Groundwater development created a significant supply source for many communities. Adverse impacts of large- scale pumping helped facilitate the development of surface water supplies. Left: Arizona Republic newspaper article from May 20, 1971 (U.S. BOR); Top right: CAP delivering water to the Harquahala Valley Irrigation District, 1985 (U.S. BOR, HVID); Bottom right: Agua Fria siphon of CAP Canal (U.S. BOR)

Groundwater is an important supply source for each of the U.S. Colorado River Basin states, ranging from 13% to 50% of a states portfolio.

Statewide and local management of groundwater varies across the Basin states.

www.edf.org/colorivgw Rachel O’Connor | roconnor@edf.org www.edf.org/coloradoriver