One Of America’s Massive Rivers Is Disappearing
The Colorado River Basin runs 1,400 miles long and provides water to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, and Nevada. Some parts of that region would have almost no water at all without it.
The river is losing water in two ways. According to The Washington Post, “The Colorado River Basin has lost twice as much groundwater since 2003 as water taken out of its reservoirs, according to a study based on satellite data.” What is terrifying is that there is no solution.
Since 2003, the study shows.27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater has disappeared. That is about the size of Lake Meade, the mammoth reservoir that feeds much of the West. Most of the water that is disappearing appears to be used for agriculture, although the researchers cannot definitively prove this.
Phoenix Trouble
Another critical note is that some cities, particularly those affected by drought, may run out of water due to the Colorado problem. Phoenix is at the top of the list. However, the area also includes other large cities, such as Las Vegas.
What is the economic impact of this trend? First, many cities in the West have experienced rapid growth. Phoenix is at the top of that list. Migration into these areas cannot continue if there is not enough water to support them.
Additionally, the areas in southern California are a “breadbasket”. Without water, the ability to grow crops in these areas started to fade.
Once the river disappears, parts of the economy in the area die or are crippled as well.
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