Water use efficiency in the face of the Colorado River drought

Utah’s water supply faces an uncertain future. Utah has implemented a water optimization program for agriculture that covers half the cost, is more efficient to save water, yet despite incentives many farmers are unaware of the program or are hesitant to change their practices.

Utah agriculture must adapt to drought, climate change and competition for Colorado River water.

Edgar Zuñiga, Director of Programming, Avanza 88.3 FM-KUUB, Salt Lake City, UT Edgar Zuñiga talks about the drought situation and how it affects agriculture.

He also comments on what the government is doing to address this situation.
Edgar Zuñiga talks about the agricultural water conservation programs, how efficient they have been.

He recognizes that although it is a step forward, it still represents a small action to address the great problem that is being faced.

Edgar Zuñiga recognizes that many farmers are reluctant to change.
Edgar Zuñiga, Director of Programming, Avanza 88.3 FM-KUUB, Salt Lake City, UT, says they have the best reports when applying water efficiency changes.

It is important to remember that to help farmers and ranchers upgrade their irrigation systems, the state has created a program to pay for new, efficient equipment. Agriculture uses the most water.

This program is part of the When the Creek Dries Up series, supported in part by The Walton Family Foundation.