Policy Nook — Policy Note: Tough Tradeoffs in the Colorado River Basin

The Colorado River Basin has been experiencing long-term drought, and forecasted increases in temperature over the coming decades will further decrease inflows. Yet the system is already over-allocated, with multiple and competing demands on the river's water from agricultural, environmental/recreational, and municipal water users, sovereign tribal nations (many of whom possess water rights that they are unable to access), and the Republic of Mexico. Easy solutions to the problem of overallocation are elusive. This overview briefly explores complex policy tradeoffs among municipal, agricultural, tribal, environmental and recreational water values, particularly as they relate to collective versus individual resilience. In addition, we highlight water justice concerns over how benefits of Colorado River water are shared among different populations and communities.