In recent decades, increasing water demand, dry conditions, and warming temperatures have impacted the Colorado River, creating greater uncertainty about the future of the basin’s water supply. The Western Water Assessment (WWA) recently released the report which was produced by WWA leads Jeff Lukas and Liz Payton, with support and guidance from more than a dozen federal, state, and local water agencies. It features an overview of the Colorado River Basin climate and hydrology, the climate and hydrology of the basin over time, and recent trends and their causes. The Colorado River and its tributaries provide critical water supply to nearly 40 million people and over 5 million acres of agricultural lands.
Climate data models and forecasts, planning tools, paleo hydrology, and historical hydrology are explored to create a comprehensive understanding of the physical setting of the basin, which guides the management of Colorado River water resources.
Executive Summary Report»