Alternatives for water recycling in response to reduced supply from the Colorado River

At this time of year, meteorologists expect the return of the La Niña phenomenon in winter, with forecasts of warmer and drier weather in the southwestern states of the United States, which could exacerbate the drought in the west.

Sylvia Lara Montenegro, activist, founding member of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, former mayor and councilwoman of Coachella, reminds us that climate change cannot be stopped and that we must recognize the damage we are doing to the planet and remember that water resources are limited.

The activist also comments that there are factors that impact water distribution, one of which is population growth.

She indicates that it is necessary to start a recycling process so that we have water.

Sylvia Lara Montenegro is clear that water recycling is already done in some cities, even for irrigation, and says that it is necessary to also think about the population that does not have many resources but needs water.

The activist comments that it is necessary to educate children so that they know how to take care of water.

She insists that we must use sewage, as there are already processes in place to clean it.

She points out that it is impossible to determine how much rain will fall, which is why we must recycle.

Finally, Sylvia Lara Montenegro, activist, founding member of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, former mayor and councilwoman of Coachella, talks about what is expected for this season.

This report is part of the special series “When the Stream Dries Up,” funded in part by The Walton Family Foundation.