Study Finds Alfalfa Major Consumer of Colorado River Water

Agriculture accounts for 74% of the river's diverted water, with a call for shifts in crop choices to address shortages.

A new study reveals that alfalfa and other cattle-feed crops consume 46% of the Colorado River's water, highlighting agriculture as the primary user.
The research, involving 12 researchers, offers the most detailed analysis of the river's water usage across seven western states and northern Mexico.
Agriculture accounts for 74% of the water diverted from the Colorado River, with cities using the remaining 18% for municipal, commercial, and industrial purposes.
The study suggests a need for a shift in agricultural practices, including reducing the acreage used for water-intensive crops like alfalfa.
Efforts to conserve water in the region include federal funding for programs encouraging farmers to leave land fallow and switch to less water-intensive crops.