First-ever Mandatory Water Cutbacks Along The Colorado River

According to azcentral.com, a USA Today website, “first-ever mandatory water cutbacks will kick in next year along the Colorado River” due to significant lowering of water levels in Lake Mead. Lake Mead is a critical water reservoir for the American Southwest.

Arizona, Nevada and Mexico have signed agreements that will require them to take less water from the Colorado River in an effort to retain enough water in Lake Mead to reduce the risk of disaster. As of Jan 1, 2020, it’s projected that the water level will fall to the point that the mandatory cutbacks will be triggered. California also signed an agreement, but only to cut back at a lower water level.

What does this mean for gardeners? Well, there’s a trickle-down effect. (Pun intended.) Gardeners will no doubt be required by their states – if they haven’t already – to cut back on water use, or face penalties. If southwestern residents aren’t already implementing water-saving measures, they should be seriously planning now.

I’ve published a number of articles on xeriscaping, which is defined as “a manner of gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental watering.” I’ll publish more in the future. I hope they’ll help you choose plants, methods and designs to conserve water. No matter where you live, conserving water is always a good thing.