The Department of the Interior announced a $700 million investment to fund long-term water conservation projects across the Lower Colorado River Basin. This significant investment, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aims to save over 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead and enhance the region's drought and climate resilience. The funding is designated for “Bucket 2” projects being funded by the Lower Colorado Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program.
The funding will support various innovative projects, including water distribution structures, advanced metering infrastructure, farm efficiency improvements, canal lining, turf removal, groundwater banking, desalination, recycling water, and water purification. These projects are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River Basin, which provides water for over 40 million people, powers hydropower resources in seven states, and supports millions of acres of agriculture.
This investment is part of a broader effort to make Western communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The funding announced on Thursday, June 6, 2024 builds on previous investments made through the Inflation Reduction Act, which have already resulted in commitments to save over 1.7 million acre-feet of water in the basin by 2026. This new round of funding will focus on long-term system efficiency projects across all sectors, ensuring the basin's resilience for years.
The Bureau of Reclamation is working closely with Tribal, state, and individual water entitlement holders in Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California to implement these projects. The selected projects and details of agreements will be announced in coordination with basin partners.
You can learn more on the US Dept of Interior website.
