Recent studies of past climate and streamflow conditions have broadened understanding of long-term water availability in the Colorado River, revealing many periods when streamflow was lower than at any time in the past 100 years of recorded flows. That information, along with two important trends-a rapid increase in urban populations in the West and significant climate warming in the region-will require that water managers prepare for possible reductions in water supplies that cannot be fully averted through traditional means. Colorado River Basin Water Management assesses existing scientific information, including temperature and streamflow records, tree-ring based reconstructions, and climate model projections, and how it relates to Colorado River water supplies and demands, water management, and drought preparedness. The book concludes that successful adjustments to new conditions will entail strong and sustained cooperation among the seven Colorado River basin states and recommends conducting a comprehensive basinwide study of urban water practices that can be used to help improve planning for future droughts and water shortages.

The study covers the period from 1965 (base year) to the year 2020. In order to identify and stage early, intermediate, and late action programs, this study was divided into three time frames: 1966-1980, 1981-2000, and 2001-2020. This study deals with the water and related land resources of the Lower Colorado Region and embraces all significant problems and beneficial uses associated with these resources. Consideration was given to various aspects of problems related to supplies of water for municipal and industrial purposes, water quality control, flood control, irrigation, electric power production, mining and mineral processing, watershed management and treatment, land resources and use, outdoor recreation, and fish and wildlife. Environmental aspects such as natural beauty, cultural and historic values, rare species of flora and fauna, wildlife in general, and water and air quality goals are considered to be integral parts of the fabric of an optimum framework program.