In a historic effort to protect the Colorado River from extended drought, the San Diego County Water Authority and five other major California water districts have signed the first of a series of agreements to save 1.6 million acre-feet of water.
the San Diego County Water Authority is working with two other agencies and the federal government to implement lasting changes to regional water management.
Wet weather and planned cuts by California, Arizona and Nevada averted declines that could have threatened water deliveries and power production but long-term threats to the Colorado River remain.
During a future drought the two rural communities could face a major reduction in water supply and higher prices at a time when the rest of San Diego County has plenty of water thanks to investments like the desalination plant.
Imperial County farmers agreed to use less water through 2026 and receive federal funds in return. But it’s not a long-term solution to the Colorado River’s water woes.