Article Reflection No. 38 (1/28/2023)

Article: As the Colorado River Shrinks, Washington Prepares to Spread the Pain

In the article “As the Colorado River Shrinks, Washington Prepares to Spread the Pain” by Christopher Flavelle, the journalist discusses the prospect of issuing reductions to the supply use of the Colorado River. As the electricity and water source for multiple states, including California, the amount of water in the river has declined, having an average flow of less than 10 million acre-feet for the three past years in contrast with the 12 million recorded throughout 2000 to 2022. According to the article, unless seven states voluntarily make these deep cuts, the federal government may have to step in. Previously, the water was distributed in accordance to who had used the water longest, and Flavelle states that it “[faces] off against a competing philosophy that says, as the climate changes, water cuts should be apportioned based on what’s practical” (Flavelle 7).

I wonder what will be the outcome. As the article has mentioned, there are various perspectives to consider here, including the natives living in the area and those in other states who are also using the water. When I shower I will use the water for shorter periods of time by washing it quickly (and thoroughly) within the duration of when it is on.

(waterdesk.org and lighthawk.org)