Benefits of Colorado River Infrastructure for Seven States

Dams, canals, aqueducts, and irrigation projects on the Colorado River provide critical resources to seven US states (CO, WY, UT, NM, NV, AZ, CA) and Mexico.

Key Benefits

• Water Supply: 40 million people depend on Colorado River water for drinking, agriculture, industry. Major reservoirs (Mead, Powell) store 4+ years of flow.
• Irrigation: 5.5 million acres of farmland (90% of US winter vegetables from Yuma/Imperial Valleys).
• Flood Control: Hoover, Glen Canyon, Davis, Parker dams prevent catastrophic floods; saved billions in damages.
• Hydropower: ~12 billion kWh/year (Hoover alone: 4.2 TWh); clean, baseload power for millions.
• Recreation: Lake Mead, Powell, Havasu, Mohave—boating, fishing, hiking; $1B+ annual tourism.
• Economic Engine: Supports $1.4T annual economic activity, 16M jobs across basin.

Infrastructure Highlights

• Hoover Dam (1936): 2,080 MW, Lake Mead (largest US reservoir).
• Glen Canyon Dam (1966): 1,320 MW, Lake Powell.
• Central Arizona Project (CAP): 336-mile canal delivering 1.5 MAF/yr to Phoenix/Tucson.
• Colorado River Aqueduct: 242 mi to Southern California (MWD).
• All-American Canal: 80 mi to Imperial Valley.

Looming Crisis

Over-allocation (1922 Compact assumed 17.5 MAF/yr; actual ~12–13 MAF), 23-year megadrought, and climate change have dropped reservoirs to historic lows. Renegotiation of shortage guidelines (post-2026) is underway. Sustainable management requires demand reduction, efficiency, and basin-wide cooperation.