Gov. John Hickenlooper: Save the Colorado River & Create an Emergency Water Plan

Rivers directly affect the health of our seas, wildlife, communities, and economies. Restoring freshwater habitats is no longer optional; it’s required.

The Colorado River basin serves Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona and New Mexico. Mexico and 29 Indian tribes along the Colorado River also claims to river water.

Shrunken stream flows now pose serious threats to wildlife and recreation, as well as cities, farms and others who rely upon the river for a variety of critical needs. A steady increase in population growth and climate change related events has exacerbated conditions.

In short, the demand for water exceeds the Colorado River water supply.

Many communities throughout the western region are currently experiencing below normal precipitation and below average reservoir storage, which can impact water supplies, the natural environment, and quality of life .

Tell Gov. Hickenlooper we need bold and powerful measures to protect the flow of the river, ensure economic vitality and secure water resources for millions of Americans.

The Governor must implement an Emergency Water Plan that focuses on conservation, reuse through gray-water treatment, efficiency and water banking, renewable energy and energy efficiency(including wind, rooftop solar and geothermal energy solutions), and new water-efficient thermoelectric power plants.

When used together, these solutions will help to ensure we have enough water and may even provide us with a surplus to serve growing populations and water demands.