Conservation & Data Solutions to Western Water Rights, Diversion

Photo: Cracked earth in an area once under the water of Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev. Hoover Dam provides electric power, drinking water and irrigation mainly in Nevada and California. Credit: AP Photo/John Locher 2023

While discussion percolates about major water diversions to deal with western water challenges, conservation strategies for water remain the most effective measure states and river basins have to manage declining resources.

That was an analysis from Tony Willardson, executive director of the Western States Water Council, which represents 18 states. The group works on cooperation in areas such as conservation, development and management of water resources.

“The mission of the council is basically to ensure the West has an adequate supply of water to meet its present and future needs,” he said. “Those are very diverse. That is not a small task.”

—Tony Willardson

Willardson spoke last week at the USDA Outlook Forum on drought challenges and federal policy. He noted most western states have been in some form of drought now for more than two decades, but only in the past two years has the drought received more attention, largely due to the problems with infrastructure, reservoirs and Colorado River struggles.

“We need to do a better job cultivating a western conservation ethic and actually understanding and appreciating the value of water. And it needs to be recognized as a public policy priority.”

—Tony Willardson

Agriculture accounts for up to 80% of the consumptive use in the West and it is a focus of attention when it comes to water conservation.

“There are opportunities for us to promote more efficient agricultural uses and to look at net farm income as an important component,” Willardson said. “That’s one area where we believe if we can provide better data on water rights, it will help those individuals make […]

Full article: Conservation and Data Offer Solutions to Western Drought Over Water Diversion