Americans in the western United States consistently report they are concerned about the safety and availability of water resources. Regardless of political party, they want long-term solutions that protect natural resources and create a secure water future.
Colorado College's annual State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll explores opinions on water safety and security in the West. The findings reinforce Americans' clear desire for action that will improve the sustainability of rivers, lakes, streams and other water sources.
Voters in across eight western states reported nearly universal concern about river levels and the long-term availability of water. Almost nine-in-ten voters (88%) say inadequate water supply is a serious problem in their state. Two thirds (66%) say it is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem. The highest concern was reported in several southwestern states that rely on the Colorado River as a source of water, including Utah (95%), Nevada (92%), New Mexico (91%) and Arizona (90%).
Work being done throughout the Colorado River Basin in recent years provides a roadmap for a more reliable water future.
Western residents also believe solutions can be put in place to overcome these challenges. Significant progress happens when federal, state and local governments prioritize investments in climate resilience. More than nine-in-ten western voters (92%) support “promoting nature-based solutions to improve water quality, such as conserving forests and lands along rivers, lakes and streams, rather than solely relying on man-made infrastructure.”
Work being done throughout the Colorado River Basin in recent years provides a roadmap for a more reliable water future. By continuing philanthropic, federal and state support for innovative conservation and nature-based solutions, we can ensure water is available in western states for the next generation.
Testing Alternative Forage Crops for the Intermountain West
Called “forage crops,” grass and alfalfa are grown throughout the West to use as feed for livestock. But traditionally they are water-intensive, meaning they require large amounts of water to grow compared to other crops. As a result, livestock feed accounts for a large share of water use in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Working with university and NGO partners, farmers and ranchers are participating in a multi-state research effort to test alternatives to grass and alfalfa to see if they can be more water efficient and drought-resilient. The project is being led by American Rivers, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and The Land Institute in partnership with Colorado State University.
The partners are conducting field trials at different elevations in western Colorado. The work will develop a better understanding about whether different forage species (and which ones) hold up better under dry conditions. Testing is being done on three different crops - Kernza, sainfoin and silflower - with the potential to produce high-quality livestock feed while supporting soil and water conservation.
Project results will help researchers understand if the tested crops use comparatively less water, recover better after drought and can be grown at a larger scale. Ultimately this effort will give farmers and ranchers the information they need to determine if these crops offer an alternative that both helps them improve their bottom line and reduce risks associated with the water scarcity challenges they face.
Restoring Wetlands Near Soda Creek in Northern Colorado
The Soda Creek Restoration Project in Northern Colorado is working to restore and rehabilitate local wetlands. Doing so will help create cleaner water supplies while also supporting healthy habitats for native wildlife including moose, fish and beavers.
By naturally filtering pollutants, wetlands play an important role in supporting clean water supplies. The flow of water from rivers and streams slows as it moves through wetlands. This helps remove sediment and pollutants as it runs downstream.
But increased development and other land management decisions have, over time, caused river systems throughout the West to become more channelized, and we now have fewer wetlands to hold and store water. Restoring these areas makes the land more sustainable and resilient.
Wetland restoration efforts like Soda Creek can also protect against damage from catastrophic wildfires and floods. These wetter landscapes can both create natural firebreaks and absorb flood waters before they reach local communities.
The project places “beaver dam analogs” in strategic locations along Soda Creek. These man-made structures mimic the work of beavers. Leaky barriers made of logs, mud and sticks are created to slow but not stop water, enabling it to disperse throughout the landscape. More than 100 beaver dam analogs have been established, spreading water across a previously dry valley south of Keystone.
Led by the National Forest Foundation, the Soda Creek Project demonstrates how philanthropic and corporate partnerships can help create more resilient landscapes. Work is being done in collaboration with USDA Forest Service with support from the Coca-Cola Company and Swire Coca-Cola. The overall project will reestablish or rehabilitate more than 42 acres of Colorado wetlands.
Conservation and nature-based solutions like these can help ensure safe, secure and resilient water sources are available in the American West. By investing in innovative, long-term strategies now, we can ensure water is available for the next generation.
