How many Americans rely on the Colorado River?
How many Americans rely on the Colorado River? Our Colorado River More than 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for water, food, recreation and energy. Stand with us to protect this iconic American lifeline.
What happens if the Colorado River dries up?
If the water levels dip much lower, the Colorado's northernmost reservoir won't have enough in the tank to both fill Lake Mead downstream and generate any hydropower, which would have devastating effects on the electricity grid in the western US.
Where does 90% of the water in the Colorado River come from?
About 85–90 percent of the Colorado River's discharge originates in melting snowpack from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. The three major upper tributaries of the Colorado – the snow-fed Gunnison, Green, and San Juan – alone deliver almost 9 million acre-feet (11 km3) per year to the main stem.
Why is the Colorado River the most endangered river in America?
Washington — American Rivers today named the Colorado River's Grand Canyon America's Most Endangered River of 2023, citing the harm that climate change and outdated river management have caused to the river's unique cultural and ecological values.
Why does California get so much water from the Colorado River?
The three “Lower Basin” states also receive 7.5 million acre-feet. Of that, California has the right to take up to 4.4 million acre-feet from the river each year; because they have the oldest legal rights to the river, Californians are also the last to see cuts during drought.
Is the Colorado River declining?
Flows on the Colorado River have declined nearly 20 percent over the past two decades because of climate change, and overuse of the river's water has left Lake Mead and Lake Powell on the brink of being unable to generate hydropower at their dams or allow the river to flow past them.
What is the biggest problem with the Colorado River today?
The Colorado River is drying up due to a combination of chronic overuse of water resources and a historic drought. The dry period has lasted more than two decades, spurred by a warming climate primarily due to humans burning fossil fuels.