A recent report has prompted calls for the federal government to stop the free distribution of water, particularly in the western United States. This study, conducted by researchers from UCLA and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), highlights the significant disparities in water pricing. Agricultural agencies in California, Arizona, and Nevada pay drastically lower prices for federal water compared to urban water suppliers.
Key Findings of the Report
The report reveals that federal agricultural water prices are often significantly subsidized, costing taxpayers and worsening water scarcity issues. The researchers analyzed wholesale prices for water supplied from the Colorado River and California’s Central Valley. Here are some key statistics:
- Water agencies serving agricultural areas pay an average of $30 per acre-foot.
- City water utilities pay approximately $512 per acre-foot.
- Over 7 million acre-feet of water are supplied by the federal government, costing less than $1 per acre-foot.
- More than half of this water is provided for free to five major water agencies.
Impact on Water Conservation
Noah Garrison, a researcher at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, emphasized that continued low prices undermine conservation efforts. The report argues that the current pricing structure disincentivizes responsible water usage amid a growing water crisis in the Colorado River Basin. Researchers suggest implementing a “water reliability and security surcharge” on water drawn from these crucial sources.
The Colorado River Crisis
The Colorado River, which serves seven states and multiple tribal nations, has experienced declining water levels due to prolonged drought conditions. Its primary reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are currently around one-third full. Experts indicate that climate change has exacerbated this situation, causing a reduction in flow of approximately 20% this century.
Recommendations for Change
According to the researchers, federal water pricing needs urgent reform. Even modest increases to around $50 per acre-foot could provide funds for necessary infrastructure upgrades. This adjustment would also promote water conservation by reflecting true scarcity.
Current strategies, which involve temporary deals allowing water-intensive farms to receive federal compensation while leaving fields unwatered, have been criticized as ineffective. The report suggests a need for a long-term water management strategy that appropriately prices this limited resource.
In light of these findings, calls for action from policymakers have intensified. Experts emphasize that addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring sustainable water supply in the future.
