The Colorado River, the river of the Grand Canyon, serves many purposes--ecological, aesthetic, domestic, agricultural, industrial, hydroelectric, and recreational--with seven states and two countries sharing its benefits. Already over-allocated, the river's resources would be further strained in the event of a severe and sustained drought. Colorado River Basin tree-ring studies of climatic conditions of previous centuries confirmed that such droughts occur, although none has occurred in this century.
As part of the Severe Sustained Drought Study, a multi and interdisciplinary research project, researchers developed a highly plausible scenario of the effects of a severe and sustained drought on the Colorado River and its users. The analysis includes an assessment of the hydrologic, social and economic impacts under the current las of the river. The impacts are found to be substantial.
Researchers explored possible institutional changes in river management that could reduce or mitigate the impacts of such a drought. Overcomming institutional inflexibility is identified as a significant challenge to resource planners and water managers. Developing solutions equitable to all Colorado River users also is a challenge.
Support for this publication was provided by the Powell Consortium, an organization consisting of seven Water Research Institutes and Centers from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Copies are available from the Powell Consortium for $15.00, plus shipping and handling costs. Please Contact: