The looming emergency that should make us build more water infrastructure

California faces potential water shortages if the states that use the Colorado River can’t make a deal.Seven states depend on the river, which winds from the Rocky Mountains through the Grand Canyon to the Gulf of California.The states take so much water from the river that it rarely reaches the sea.The Colorado River provides about one-third of Southern California’s total water supply.The past 25 years have been particularly dry.

And two major dams on the river — Lake Powell and Lake Mead — are dropping to dangerously low levels.That means the states need to come up with a new water-sharing agreement. The federal government says it will impose cuts if there’s no deal.  California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story But it can’t do much to the Upper Basin states — Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

It can only impose cuts on the Lower Basin states — Nevada, Arizona, and California.The Trump administration recently agreed to a two-year compromise in which the three lower states agreed to small water cuts.California will reduce its take by 12%.The federal government will come back in two years and see if that is working.

It could extend that compromise every two years, for up to ten years.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!But if conditions don’t improve, bigger water cuts are coming for California.And that could affect everyone, especially if there’s another drought.California is not short of water.

But it is short of good water management. Start with the basics: C...