The Colorado River-a major water source for Southern California’s cities and farms-is shared among seven states and Mexico. Water use now outstrips supply. The environmental impacts of water use in this basin pose special challenges. This brief describes adaptation strategies so that the river can continue to provide essential benefits to the region.
This publication is part of a briefing kit that summarizes 13 of the state’s most pressing water management issues.
Topics
Drought Water Supply Water, Land & AirLearn More
Fact Sheet · March 2025
The Colorado River
Blog Post · March 4, 2024
The Colorado River’s Hydrology is Changing. Can We Adapt?
Blog Post · March 28, 2023
Saving Precious Water in the Colorado River’s Upper Basin
Blog Post · July 19, 2021
Cultivating Optimism as Drought Cripples the Colorado River
Blog Post · March 2, 2020
Why the Big Drop in California’s Colorado River Water Use?
Blog Post · August 12, 2019
Planning for a Drier Future in the Colorado River Basin
Blog Post · October 1, 2018
Groundwater and the Colorado River
Blog Post · June 26, 2018
A Path to Progress for the Salton Sea
Blog Post · June 20, 2018
A Balancing Act for the Colorado River
Blog Post · August 15, 2017
New Water Official’s Views on Salton Sea, Other Priorities
Blog Post · July 13, 2017
The Search for Sustainability in the Colorado River Basin
Blog Post · April 6, 2017
Remaking the Salton Sea
Video · January 26, 2017
Colorado River
Report · February 2016
Improving the Federal Response to Western Drought: Five Areas for Reform
