Save The Colorado River From Greedy Overuse
1,013 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
The Colorado River is vanishing, drained by unchecked greed and outdated policies—act now to secure its future for families, farms, and ecosystems before it’s too late.
The Colorado River is at a breaking point. For decades, overuse, outdated policies, and prolonged drought have pushed this vital resource to the brink. Millions of people, farms, and ecosystems depend on the river, yet its flow is shrinking at an alarming rate1. Without immediate intervention, the consequences will be catastrophic.
Why the River Is Disappearing
Agriculture consumes nearly 80% of the water in Colorado and much of the American West2. Large-scale farms dominate usage, with just 20 farming families in California’s Imperial Valley consuming more water than some entire states3. Much of this water is used to grow hay for livestock feed, including for export markets, while urban areas and ecosystems scramble for what’s left.
Outdated water rights laws compound the crisis. Policies like Colorado’s “use it or lose it” rule encourage wasteful practices, while the “free river” condition allows some users to take more than their legal share during high-flow periods4. These loopholes prioritize individual interests over the collective good, worsening the crisis for everyone who depends on the river.
The Urgent Need for Water Management Rules
Colorado’s water policies have not adapted to the reality of climate change and the demands of a growing population. The state currently lacks clear rules for managing water during a compact call—a scenario in which Colorado must reduce its water use to fulfill legal obligations to downstream states5. Without these rules, Colorado risks chaos, economic losses, and prolonged legal battles that will only deepen the crisis.
Farmers and ranchers are already struggling to secure enough water for their crops and livestock. Further delays in creating water management regulations will harm rural communities, urban residents, and the environment alike. To ensure fairness and sustainability, Colorado must act now to establish a framework that balances the needs of all water users.
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
It’s time to demand action. By signing this petition, you can urge the Colorado Department of Agriculture to develop comprehensive water management rules that address the crisis head-on. These rules will:
- Ensure fair water-sharing protocols during shortages.
- Protect senior water rights while addressing the needs of vulnerable users.
- Incentivize conservation through sustainable farming practices and efficient irrigation.
- Preserve the ecosystems and wildlife that depend on the Colorado River.
Every day of inaction brings us closer to irreversible damage. The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure a future where the Colorado River continues to support families, farms, and the environment.
Sign the Petition Today
Join us in calling for urgent action to save the Colorado River. Sign the petition now and make your voice heard. Together, we can secure a sustainable future for all who depend on this lifeline.
- Shannon Mullane, The Colorado Sun (14 August 2023), "40 million people share the shrinking Colorado River. Here’s how that water gets divvied up."
- Jerd Smith, Fresh Water News (3 October 2024), "Farmers use the majority of Colorado’s water. Shouldn’t they bear the burden of future cutbacks?"
- Nat Lash and Janet Wilson, ProPublica (9 November 2023), "The 20 Farming Families Who Use More Water From the Colorado River Than Some Western States."
- Heather Sackett, The Colorado Sun (2 October 2024), "Colorado’s water users are told “use it or lose it.” But is the threat real?"
- Shannon Mullane, The Colorado Sun (11 November 2024), "A century-old practice allows people to use more than their legal share of Colorado River water. Researchers say it should stop."
The Petition:
To the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture and members of the Colorado Department of Agriculture,
We, the undersigned, urge you to take immediate action to address the growing water crisis in the Colorado River Basin by establishing clear rules and regulations to govern water usage in the event of a compact call. The current absence of a well-defined framework jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, urban communities, and the ecosystems that depend on the river.
The Need for Conservation and Action
The Colorado River is facing historic depletion due to prolonged drought, climate change, and decades of overuse. Existing policies fail to account for this reality, perpetuating wasteful practices and unequal water distribution. Without proactive measures, Colorado risks economic decline, environmental degradation, and conflicts with other states in the river’s basin.
To avoid these outcomes, Colorado must lead by implementing enforceable, equitable water management rules that prioritize sustainability and ensure compliance with the Colorado River Compact. Regulations should:
- Clearly outline water-sharing protocols during shortages.
- Incentivize conservation efforts, such as crop transitions and efficient irrigation.
- Protect senior water rights while addressing the needs of marginalized users.
- Preserve vital ecosystems along the river.
Securing a Better Future
Establishing these regulations will position Colorado as a leader in sustainable water management and protect the livelihoods of millions who depend on the river. Proactive policies will ensure a fair allocation of resources, safeguard agricultural production, support urban growth, and maintain healthy ecosystems for generations to come.
We call on the Colorado Department of Agriculture to take decisive action and develop these urgently needed regulations. The time to act is now.
Sincerely,
