In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, researchers have shed light on the alarming water consumption by agriculture in the Colorado River Basin. The study, conducted by a team of 12 researchers, provides a comprehensive overview of water use across seven Western states and northern Mexico, highlighting the urgent need for long-term solutions to address dwindling water resources and adapt to climate change.

The findings reveal that alfalfa and other cattle-feed crops, used to produce beef and dairy products, consume a staggering 46% of the water diverted from the Colorado River. This accounts for nearly two-thirds of agricultural water use. Astonishingly, agriculture alone accounts for 74% of the water diverted from the river, surpassing the combined water usage of all the cities depending on the river.

Lead researcher Brian Richter emphasizes the importance of understanding the distribution of water usage, stating, "It's important to understand where all of the water goes. This is the first complete and detailed accounting." Richter hopes that these findings will contribute crucial information to ongoing discussions regarding the future of the Colorado River.

The study further expands on previous research by including water use data for Mexico, the Gila River in Arizona, and supplies transported through canals and pipelines outside the Colorado River Basin. By analyzing water diversions for agriculture, communities, and industries from 2000 to 2019, the researchers calculated annual averages. They also considered natural losses along the river, including water evaporation from reservoirs and uptake by vegetation, which account for 30% of overall consumption.

When considering additional natural losses, agriculture is found to account for 52% of overall consumption, with 32% specifically devoted to irrigating alfalfa and other grass hay. The remaining 18% of water consumption is attributed to cities, including municipal, commercial, and industrial use.

The Colorado River supplies water to cities and farmlands across seven states, including California and Wyoming, as well as 30 tribal nations. However, the river's flow has significantly declined since 2000, exacerbated by the impacts of global warming. As a result, the river's largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, remain at alarmingly low levels, despite various water-saving agreements.

With their eye on the future, water managers in the region are engaged in negotiations for new rules to address water shortages after 2026 when current regulations expire. Richter advocates for a shift towards a more proactive approach, urging reductions in agriculture's water usage and the exploration of alternative crops.

The study highlights the water-intensive nature of alfalfa and hay production, underscoring the need for change. Richter acknowledges that farmers grow what is in demand but urges a collective responsibility to reconsider dietary choices and address the expansion of dairies that contribute to the significant growth in alfalfa production.

While critics may point fingers at farmers for their crop choices, Richter emphasizes that it is essential to recognize consumers' role in driving the demand for beef and dairy products. Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, he encourages individuals to "act on their conscience" and make informed choices regarding their dietary preferences.

As the future of the Colorado River hangs in the balance, the study's detailed analysis serves as a wake-up call to the agricultural industry and policymakers alike. The consequences of continued overconsumption of water in the face of dwindling resources highlight the urgent need for sustainable and proactive measures to secure the river's long-term viability for future generations.