The Colorado River-a major water source for Southern California’s cities and farms-is shared among seven states and Mexico. Water use now outstrips supply. The environmental impacts of water use in this basin pose special challenges. This brief describes adaptation strategies so that the river can continue to provide essential benefits to the region.
This publication is part of a briefing kit that summarizes 13 of the state’s most pressing water management issues.
Topics
Drought Water Supply Water, Land & AirLearn More
![photo - Lake Mead Near the Hoover Dam](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lake-mead-near-the-hoover-dam-640x427.jpg)
The Colorado River’s Hydrology is Changing. Can We Adapt?
![photo - Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/colorado-river-in-glenwood-canyon-640x427.jpg)
Saving Precious Water in the Colorado River’s Upper Basin
![photo - Lake Mead](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lake-mead.jpeg)
Cultivating Optimism as Drought Cripples the Colorado River
![Photo of the Colorado River at Lake Powell](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/colorado-river-lake-powell-getty-168629120b.jpg)
Planning for a Drier Future in the Colorado River Basin
![photo - Hoover Dam Panorama](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hoover-dam-panorama-640x427.jpg)
Improving the Federal Response to Western Drought: Five Areas for Reform
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