[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

The Colorado watershed is under a great deal of stress and the states that rely on it have been put on notice to better manage its resources. In Arizona we are already feeling the pinch as feed lots and associated alfalfa fields are being shuttered. Alfalfa, used for cattle feed, is a very water intensive crop. The other plant in these fields, cycled in to keep the soil somewhat healthy, is cotton which is also very water intensive. There is a shift going on and farmers are now selling off their properties for development, which just increases urban sprawl and demand for water. Thankfully residential water use is a smaller impact and rationing in this regard is not expected. Industrial and agricultural use will feel the pinch as the State moves forward in protecting this precious resource. Of the seven states who gain benefit from this watershed, Arizona is listed as priority six, so we have to really manage our resources carefully. What makes the issue more difficult is the increase in soluble solids in the water because of additional runoff as a result of wild fires. Our aging critical infrastructure continues to be stressed because of changes in turbidity and the demand for clean drinking water. It is a significant concern, but one the state and municipalities are doing their best to manage. No panic yet, but agencies are keeping a very close eye on things.

Peggy Hill stated it the best