Farmers in the Imperial Valley of Southern California who use the most Colorado River water across the river basin have agreed to cut their use significantly in a new deal struck with the federal government.
The cuts will happen through 2026 and add up to more than double the amount the entire state of Nevada uses in a year.
“IID [Imperial Irrigation District] has cleared enormous hurdles to make this deal happen — there is no excuse for inaction anywhere along the river,” JB Hamby , the vice chairman of the district and the commissioner representing California in ongoing negotiations about the river, said in a news release .
Brian Richter, who researches water use on the Colorado River, said these kinds of cuts are necessary as the climate crisis pushes the river to unprecedented limits.
“Irrigated agriculture is very, very important both to food security, as well as to the livelihoods and well-being of farmers,” Richter said. “That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be asking the question of whether or not we’re using that water to the greatest possible benefit.”