The Colorado River's Hidden History: Uncovering the Secret Deals that Shaped Arizona's Water Future The Colorado River Compact has had a profound impact on Arizona's growth, development, and water management strategies.
The Colorado River's Hidden History: Uncovering the Secret Deals that Shaped Arizona's Water Future
The Colorado River Compact has had a profound impact on Arizona's growth, development, and water management strategies. As you explore Arizona's vast deserts, forests, and canyons, it's essential to understand the complex history behind this critical aspect of the state's ecosystem.
Key Facts About the Colorado River Compact
- The Colorado River Compact was signed in 1928 by seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
- The compact allocates water rights among these states based on their natural flow rates at Lee Ferry, Arizona.
- Arizona's share of the Colorado River is approximately 2.88 million acre-feet per year.
- The Upper Basin States (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) are allowed to withdraw up to 7.5 million acre-feet from Lake Powell, while the Lower Basin States (Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas) can withdraw up to 7.5 million acre-feet from Lake Mead.
The Secret Deals That Shaped Arizona's Water Rights
In 1968, Congress passed the Colorado River Basin Project Act, which allowed the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a comprehensive plan for managing the river's water resources. However, this plan was based on inaccurate data and has since been criticized for its failure to account for climate change and increased demand.
One significant deal that shaped Arizona's water rights is the 1978 Agreement Among the States of the Colorado River Basin, also known as the "7-Behest Agreement." This agreement allowed California to take more water from the Colorado River than it was originally allocated, in exchange for Arizona's promise not to challenge this decision.
Uncovering the Hidden History
To understand the complexities of the Colorado River Compact and Arizona's water rights, explore some of the following resources:
- Visit the Arizona State Capitol Building in Phoenix to learn about the history of water management in Arizona.
- Tour the Hoover Dam in Boulder City, Nevada, to see firsthand how this iconic dam has impacted the region's water supply.
- Take a scenic drive along the Colorado River and enjoy the stunning vistas while learning about the river's rich history.
What to Expect
When exploring the hidden history of the Colorado River Compact and Arizona's water rights, you can expect:
- A complex and sometimes contentious history
- A deep understanding of the relationships between states and their water resources
- Opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration along one of America's most iconic rivers