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The Colorado River: A Lifeline Running Dry

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A drought in the western United States created a battle over resources, as private landowners compete with the public over access to freshwater supplies.

In April of 2015, California’s governor, Jerry Brown, announced a series of mandatory restrictions, forcing residents to reduce their water usage by 25 percent in the coming year. But despite playing a massive role in depleting local water supplies, the state’s powerful agriculture industry has been left unaffected.

It’s not just California facing a future without water. More than 40 million people across seven US states and Mexico get their water from the Colorado River – where demand is exceeding supplies.

So who really owns the water? And who decides when and how to use it?

More from the World Water Day video library:

Iran’s Water Crisis

Senegal’s Sinking Villages

China’s Underwater Hunt

Kenya’s Water Women

New Zealand: Polluted Paradise

Jordan’s Water Wise Women

Flood-Resilient Homes in Pakistan: A Traditional Future

Summary
Title
The Colorado River: A Lifeline Running Dry
Description

More than 40 million people across seven U.S. states and Mexico get their water from the Colorado River - where demand is exceeding supplies.

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