losing phoenix — the great western water crisis
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On peak electricity days during the summer in
Phoenix, water flows through Glen Canyon Dam
at a rate of 18,000 cubic feet per second.
On peak electricity days during the summer in
Phoenix, water flows through Glen Canyon Dam
at a rate of 18,000 cubic feet per second.
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The question is: The question is: how long will the water hold out?
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Today the Colorado River provides water to some 40 million people and irrigates nearly
5.5 million acres of farmland.
Flickr user Olibac
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Colorado WyomingUtah New Mexico
California ArizonaNevada
Under the Colorado River Compact of 1922, the water is split between the Upper and Lower Basins.
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The agreement provides the Lower Basin with 7.5 million acre-feet (maf) of water per year.
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But they are using an extra 1.3 maf,exceeding their allotment by 17%.
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The surplus has been provided by Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir.
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But Lake Mead is near a historic low, and is less than half full.
47% of capacity
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And that’s not even the worst news.
Flickr user Bala
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Flickr user Bala
The Colorado River’s users are expected to grow from40 million to 50 to 75 million by 2060.
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Which would increase the demand for water way beyond the historical average of 16.4 maf.
Average annual flow of the Colorado This water doesn’t exist
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Flickr user Arian Zwegers
And that’s before climate change really kicks in.
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One study suggests the flow will decrease by 10% by 2030. Which will create an even larger water gap.
Average annual flow of the Colorado This water doesn’t exist
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Flickr user Wolfgang Staudt
These slides are based on an article by William Debuys called “Say Goodbye to
Phoenix — and the American West” that was published recently on Salon.com (
http://ow.ly/nAmz1 ). It’s such a clear and powerful explanation of the predicament of
the West that I thought I’d make some slides for anyone to use. They are published
under a Creative Commons Attribution license and can be downloaded at
http://ow.ly/nAnuZ
Chris Landry has produced slide presentations for Unilever, Stonyfield Farm, the Ford
Foundation, and other clients. His work was featured in the book Presentation Zen.
Landry Communications helps mission-based organizations tell their stories. Learn
more at www.christopherlandry.com or send email to [email protected].