Water Shortage Declaration in the Southwest

On July 18, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Timothy O’Brien published a comprehensive article entitled “Can the Southwest Survive with Less Water?” on Bloomberg Opinion. The article addresses the impending ‘Tier 1’ shortage declaration on the Colorado River within the broader context of drought, climate change, and water law and policy. Adding his voice to the many recent articles on drought in the West, O’Brien’s piece includes a short, informative video overview of what is covered in the article, including what the water shortage declaration means for Arizona. Among the experts who contributed to the article, WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal is quoted in relation to the shortage declaration: “We are not in a state of panic. We’re prepared. We knew it was coming and we’ve been storing water underground. But the situation is bad and it's growing worse sooner and faster than we thought it would. Some aren’t going to be able to continue business as usual. They will have to adapt.” The article emphasizes the importance of strengthening water conservation regulations and laws to meet the current and coming challenges.

 

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