Podcast Summary
Western US faces significant water access challenges due to climate change and population growth: The western US is spending large sums of money to secure water access due to less availability and more demand, making it a major economic concern for communities
Access to water in the western US is becoming increasingly expensive due to climate change and population growth. This is forcing cities, farms, and even states to spend vast sums of money to ensure a consistent water supply. For instance, a group in Colorado is currently spending $100,000,000 to secure access to water from the Colorado River, intending to leave it untouched. The situation is a result of less water availability and more people using water. The western US faces a significant challenge in managing its water resources, and the costs will continue to rise as the climate changes and populations grow. This dynamic is making water access a major economic concern for many communities.
Water Disputes in Colorado: A $100,000,000 Key to Understanding Tensions: The Colorado River, supplying water to millions, is managed in a way that leads to significant tensions and conflicts, with a small power plant in Glenwood Canyon holding the key to a $100,000,000 payment for rural communities.
The Colorado River, which supplies water to over 40 million people across 7 states and is crucial to the economy and agriculture in the Southwest, is managed in a way that leads to significant tensions and conflicts. One current example of this can be seen in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, where a small building, the Shoshone power plant, holds the key to a $100,000,000 payment being made on behalf of rural communities in Colorado. This payment, which most people passing by on I-70 wouldn't even notice, is a significant part of the ongoing water disputes in the region that have been going on for over a century. The Colorado River's unique role in the West, supplying water to cities like Denver, LA, and Phoenix, as well as agriculture and the nation's wintertime vegetables, highlights the importance of understanding the complex history and management of this vital resource. For more context, check out the THROUGHLINE podcast episode linked in the show notes.
Shoshone Power Plant's historical water rights give it significant power: The Shoshone Power Plant's long history and senior water rights under the prior appropriation system make it a crucial player in Colorado's water management system.
The Shoshone Power Plant in Colorado, while not producing a significant amount of energy itself, holds immense value due to the water it uses for hydroelectric power. This water is then distributed to various people and industries in western Colorado, and the fact that the plant has been using it since 1902 gives it senior water rights under the prior appropriation system. This system, which prioritizes the first user of water, allows the power plant to legally use a large amount of water, giving its owners significant power in the ongoing water struggle between the rural west and the rapidly growing cities on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. The power plant's long history and water rights make it a crucial player in the complex water management system in Colorado.
Rural water users in Colorado's western slope express concerns over urban growth impacting their livelihoods and ecosystems: Rural water users in Colorado's western slope fear the consequences of urban growth on their water sources and livelihoods, and the lack of consideration for externalities in water pricing exacerbates their concerns.
Water users in Colorado's rural western slope are expressing concerns about the potential impact of urban and suburban growth on their livelihoods and the ecosystems around them. The uncertainty surrounding water availability and usage has led some rural communities to consider purchasing water rights to secure their future. Additionally, there's a concept called externalities at play, where the costs of water usage, such as the impact on ecosystems and rural communities, are not reflected in the price. For instance, hydropower plants extract water, use it, and then return it to the river, but the environmental and social costs are not factored into the price of the electricity. This anxiety and uncertainty among rural water users, coupled with the potential externalities, highlight the complexities and challenges surrounding water management in Colorado.
Water usage and future uncertainty along the Colorado River: Rural communities along the Colorado River are investing large sums of money to secure their water rights and protect their futures due to climate change and disagreements among policymakers about sharing a shrinking water supply
The amount and availability of water downstream in the Colorado River are significantly influenced by how it's being used upstream. For a long time, the water left in the river after it's been used by entities like hydropower plants was considered an unintended positive consequence, but now, rural communities along the river are taking matters into their own hands. They're banding together to ensure their voices are heard and their water needs are met, as the future of the Colorado River is uncertain due to climate change and disagreements among policymakers about how to share a shrinking water supply. These communities are investing large sums of money to secure their water rights and protect their futures. The Colorado River's uncertain future, coupled with disagreements among policymakers, leaves many users in a state of uncertainty, making it worthwhile for them to invest significant resources to secure control over their water. This episode was produced by Julia Ritchie, engineered by Neil Rauch, fact checked by Sarah Juarez, and edited by Kate Kincannon. On this week's wildcard podcast, Issa Rae shares her thoughts on making peace with the path not taken.
Exploring books about mothers and discussions on race and identity: Listening to podcasts about mothers and race can broaden perspectives and offer valuable insights into personal challenges and societal issues.
Understanding the complexities and challenges faced by individuals, whether through literature or open conversations, can broaden our perspective. This week, NPR's Book of the Day podcast explores books centered around mothers, offering a glimpse into the battles each person faces. Meanwhile, on the Coach Witched podcast, discussions about race and identity go beyond the news cycle, emphasizing their far-reaching impact on every story. Tune in to the Code Switch podcast from NPR for new voices and insights on this important topic. Remember, it's essential to listen and learn without condoning harmful actions. Both podcasts provide valuable opportunities for growth and empathy.
