Farmers Support Water Plan for Colorado River

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID), the largest consumer of Colorado River water, has initiated a program to incentivize farmers to temporarily halt irrigation on forage crops, particularly alfalfa, for up to 60 days during the peak summer months. This initiative comes as a response to the ongoing drought affecting the Colorado River, which supplies water to millions across seven U.S. states and parts of Mexico. Tina Shields, the district's water department manager, reported that over 80% of eligible properties have signed up for the program, highlighting the financial benefits of receiving $300 per acre-foot of water compared to potential lower revenues from summer crops. The program was developed as part of a broader agreement among Arizona, Nevada, and California to address the declining water levels in the Colorado River. The federal government has allocated $1.2 billion to support users in reducing their water consumption temporarily. The IID's voluntary program specifically targets crops like alfalfa, Bermuda grass, and Klein grass, which can endure short periods without water, aligning with the seasonal drop in yields and reduced dairy operations during the summer. Currently, the IID has received applications from approximately 170 businesses covering nearly 160,000 acres, which could conserve around 215,000 acre-feet of water. Farmers like Trevor Tagg have expressed support for the initiative, noting that falling alfalfa prices have left them with few options. Many farmers are facing financial difficulties, and the IID's offer presents a more viable solution than continuing to cultivate crops under unfavorable market conditions. As the program awaits environmental approvals, the IID is moving forward with farmer participation to maximize water conservation efforts during this critical period for the region's agricultural community.