Bureau of Land Reclamation Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study Released

 Recently, the U.S. Dept of Interior Bureau of Land Reclamation released a study, titled Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study (Dec. 2012). The details of the report, available here, are discussed is the executive summary excerpted below:

Funded by the Reclamation through the Basin Study Program under the Department of the Interior’s WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) Program and the agencies The Study Area is shown in figure 1 and is defined as the hydrologic boundaries of the Basin within the United States, plus the adjacent areas of the Basin States that receive Colorado River water. In many adjacent areas, the Colorado River supply is in addition to other water supply sources used to meet water demands representing the Basin States, the Study was conducted by Reclamation’s Upper Colorado and Lower Colorado Regions and the representatives of the Basin States’ agencies. The purpose of the Study was to define current and future imbalances in water supply and demand in the Basin and the adjacent areas of the Basin States that receive Colorado River water over the next 50 years (through 2060), and to develop and analyze adaptation and mitigation strategies to resolve those imbalances.  

The Study did not result in a decision as to how future imbalances should or will be addressed. Rather, the Study provides a common technical foundation that frames the range of potential imbalances that may be faced in the future and the range of solutions that may be considered to resolve those imbalances.

Grand Canyon National Park -- Report

This Report, dated August 2010, prepared by the Center for the State of the Parks finds that found that despite the park’s iconic status, diverse natural and cultural resources, and abundant recreational opportunities, the park suffers from many challenges that complicate resource protection and management:

•Current Colorado River management actions do not incorporate adaptive strategies for protecting and restoring native animals, natural habitats, and cultural resources along the river corridor.

•Mines could be developed on lands adjacent to the park, potentially contaminating watersheds and the surrounding environment. In addition, historic mining activities have resulted in environmental contamination in parts of the park.

•Sound pollution from scenic and commercial air plane overflights in the park is a major concern.

•Air pollution from miles away has the potential to obscure scenic vistas, harm human health, and damage park resources.

•Resource protection and visitor services are impacted by a lack of sufficient annual operating funds.