Agriculture on Thin Ice

Exploring the Impact of Inconsistent Snowpack and Declining Water Supply on Colorado River Agriculture

By Tina Titus Mathew| M.S Data Visualization

The Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River plays a vital role in the agriculture industry of its neighboring 7 states and Mexico. 80% of the river is used for agriculture, with larger water use seen in areas like Imperial Valley as the climate allows for crops like broccoli, alfalfa, & citrus fruits to grow.

The Colorado River Basin has a unique climate. It is a dry with limited rainfall, yet located in high altitude, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, creating microclimates. However, with a (1) dated water management system, (2) increasing temperatures and population and decreasing snowpackand the (3) agriculture that relies on it is at risk as water levels significantly decrease.

In 1922, as a way to preserve water in the region, a landmark agreement, called The Colorado River Compact was made, dividing up water for each state and Mexico. That policy is still used today.
California Colorado Arizona Utah Mexico Wyoming New Mexico Nevada

Water use data from USGS in 2015 show large users of the Colorado River are Imperial Valley in California and Southern Arizona. The warm climate in the region make them ideal for growing a variety of crops. With the use of the Colorado River, these arid regions have transformed into some of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation. Along with demand for water increasing, rising temperatures pose challenges to farmer in the area.

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Let's take a look at Imperial Valley, California. They largest user of Colorado River allocation, US agricultural water withdrawals and produces two-thirds of US winter vegetables. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, in 2023, the Imperial Irrigation Distract is projected to use 64% of California’s river allotment, accounting for water requirements for each crop. Field crops are their most harvested crop and it's also the most water intensive, collectively requiring around 2 million acre feet of water per year, nearly half of the state's allotment - keep in mind California River allotment is 4.4 million.

Imperial Crops Water Requirements- Acre Feet of Water