Noticiero Latino: Colorado River continues to reduce in water flow (Part 1)

This time we will talk about the alarming reduction in the flow of the Colorado River, which is a vital source of water for the western United States. It is facing an increasing drought, due to the excessive use of water and the warming of the climate.

This situation threatens to leave many communities that settled there precisely because of its flow without water.

Daniela Zavala, representative of the environmental civil organization Hecho, which stands for Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting in the Outdoors, talks about how we reached this point of the Colorado River drought.

Agreements were recently reached to address this issue between the 7 states of the Colorado River Basin and the federal government.

Daniela Zavala, recalls that the annual flow is 10% lower than originally estimated, also Arizona and Nevada for example had smaller allocations, but now they have more development and require more water.

In addition, the 1922 compact, which was created with assumptions that failed to hold up over time. In this regard, Daniela Zavala comments on the size of the crisis.

Daniela Zavala reveals that one third of Latinos live in the Colorado River Basin and they are not represented.

The basin numbers more than 40 million people.

In addition to the Latino population living there, the River provides water for agriculture and is necessary for food production.

Daniela Zavala, emphasizes that Latinos not only live in the watershed of this important Colorado River but also work in the harvest.

Daniela Zavala, affirms that the drought in the Colorado River impacts us in many ways, that is why the organization Hecho has projects for Latinos to be taken into account so that they can be members of the water board, since it is very important to participate.

This year the federal government agreed to a plan to achieve water savings, Daniela Zavala talks about the contingency plan.

Another meeting between the states and the federal government is expected to be held in 2026 to discuss plans to protect the waters and communities of the Colorado River, Daniela Zavala comments.

This report is part of the series Cuando se Seca el Arroyo sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation.