San Luis Valley braces for higher water costs amid drought
In Colorado's San Luis Valley, farmers face a near quadrupling of water costs due to drought and legal obligations.
Jerd Smith reports for The Colorado Sun.
In short:
- Water costs in San Luis Valley may rise to $500 per acre-foot, up from $150, to address aquifer depletion.
- The increase is part of efforts to meet Rio Grande Compact demands and mitigate drought impacts.
- Despite innovative water management, the valley struggles with declining aquifer levels and legal challenges.
Key quote:
“No one wants to see the aquifer diminish and continue to shrink. If everybody can do their part to cut back and make that happen, that is the way forward.”
— Brad Grasmick, a water attorney representing San Luis Valley growers
Why this matters:
The escalating water costs in San Luis Valley underscore the broader challenges of sustainable water management in drought-prone areas. This situation highlights the delicate balance between agricultural needs and environmental responsibilities, with significant implications for local economies and national food production.
“A man from the West will fight over three things: water, women and gold, usually in that order.”
