California has made a good deal to ensure water from the Colorado River as we struggle to capture more of our own water through the construction of new dams and reservoirs.
California tackles historic drought
States reach 'monumental agreement' on Colorado River water
By Michael Gardner
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE
December 11, 2007
SACRAMENTO – With scattered water rationing looming statewide, California has secured a virtual lock on its Colorado River supply and will be allowed more storage at Lake Mead, effectively creating a new reservoir without pouring an ounce of concrete.
The twin prizes were negotiated as part of a broad seven-state accord that will, for the first time, spell out how reductions would be imposed should a historic drought continue to plague the Colorado River basin.
“This is a monumental agreement on the Colorado River. It provides us with new tools and possibilities,” said Roger Patterson, assistant general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
More than two years in the making, the accord charts how cuts will be imposed if Lake Mead continues to shrink. Arizona and Nevada must absorb losses in the first rounds, sparing California until an almost apocalyptic scenario.
California would not be a target until levels at Lake Mead plummet to just 16 percent capacity. The lake, behind Hoover Dam in Nevada, is 48 percent full after eight years of stingy snowfall.
Patterson said it's “highly unlikely” that lake levels would ever fall so precariously to warrant cuts here.
