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Colorado River Water Prices Must Reflect Scarcity Crisis

12/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A report by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says Colorado River water prices must reflect scarcity.
The report notes California, Arizona, and Nevada agricultural users pay far less than municipal users, with some water provided for free, undermining conservation.
If not reformed, the system serving about 40 million people faces a crisis from overuse and climate change.

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Story summary

A report by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says Colorado River water prices must reflect scarcity.
The report notes California, Arizona, and Nevada agricultural users pay far less than municipal users, with some water provided for free, undermining conservation.
If not reformed, the system serving about 40 million people faces a crisis from overuse and climate change.