Colorado River water conservation projects to receive funding

Municipal water providers in Arizona, California, Nevada and Colorado will receive approximately $11m in US government funding to support the Colorado River System Conservation Program.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Central Arizona Project and Denver Water have partnered with the US Bureau of Reclamation to contribute funds to support pilot Colorado River water conservation projects.

The projects have been designed to regulate water demand in different areas, including agricultural, municipal and industrial uses. Conserved water will remain in the river, helping to increase reservoir levels and protect the environment.

US Bureau of Reclamation deputy secretary Mike Connor said: "This is a critically important first step, and I applaud the far-sighted municipal water providers for beginning to address the imbalance in supply and demand on the Colorado River that could seriously affect the economy and the people who rely upon the river. There is still much work to be done, and the Interior Department is committed to supporting the efforts of the Colorado River Basin states and other stakeholders as partners in improving water management and operations, particularly during this historic drought."

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California general manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said: "This situation is becoming increasingly critical. We are already dealing with unprecedented pressure on the southern California region’s water system."

The Colorado river and its tributaries supply water to around 40 million people in the US.