Colorado River System & California’s Drought: an Overview

Arizona League of Cities and Towns – Water PanelAugust 20, 2015

Colorado River System Overview

• $1.5 trillion/yr economic activity (~12th largest GDP)

• Serves US & Mexico• 7 States in the US• ~40 million people • ~ 4 million irrigated acres• ~ 10 million Mwhr/yr• ~$5 billion/yr Ag Value• ~ 14 MAF/yr runoff• 10 major reservoirs (60 MAF)• Environmental values

2007 Guidelines Shortage Sharing• Arizona and Nevada share Lower Basin shortages

under the 2007 Guidelines• Mexico voluntarily agreed in Minute 319 to accept

reductions in its deliveries at the same elevationsLake Mead Elevation

Arizona Reduction

Nevada Reduction

Mexico Reduction

1075’ 320,000 AF 13,000 AF 50,000 AF

1050’ 400,000 AF 17,000 AF 70,000 AF

1025’ 480,000 AF 20,000 AF 125,000 AF

No additional reductions to California under ’07 Guidelines

MWD Water System• Relies on imported supplies:• Northern California• Colorado River

• MWD is the Junior Priority ColoradoRiver user in California

MWD’s Response to 2015Northern California Drought Crisis• Curtailment of supplies:• 15% reduction in wholesale deliveries• $1,480 - $2,960/af penalty for exceedance

• Dramatic investment in conservation• $350 Million, mostly turf removal ($2/sqft)

• Purchase senior priority Colorado River Ag Rights• 12,000 acres in Palo Verde Irrigation District, CA• $240 Million