Colorado River Basin Farmers Confront Water Shortages After Dry Winter

Why it matters locally: While Washington does not directly rely on the Colorado River, the broader implications of Western U.S. water shortages and climate change could affect federal resource allocation and agricultural policies that also impact Washington's agricultural sector and water management strategies.

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Farmers in Colorado face heightened concerns over water availability following a significantly dry winter season in the western United States. A lack of snowpack, which typically supplies the Colorado River, has exacerbated an existing drought. The drought affects tens of millions of people across seven U.S. states and Mexico. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity of the drought to climate change. Miles O'Brien, a science correspondent, reported on the situation as part of a series examining environmental tipping points.