Colorado River officials have voted to explore water conservation credits as a strategic measure to safeguard against future drought years after decades of uncertainty. A plan as to how to implement credits is expected to be released by the end of September. This decision comes as current water management rules are set to expire in 2026.
According to The Colorado Sun, water users and officials are questioning how they can make such a concept happen as the natural resource supplies 40 million people. Yet, this year water use in three states dropped to a 40-year low.

 

Just last year, farmers and ranchers were paid $16 million to cut their water use in a pilot program, however the water saved on one farm reentered streams where it could be used by anyone downstream.
Further, according to The Colorado River Authority of Utah, agricultural uses account for 80% of the Colorado River's water leaving many unsure how these credits will be divided. The proposal however is designed to address questions about tracking and storing conserved water, the definition credits, economic impacts, and future preservation impacts.

According to Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River District, emphasis on the importance of storing conserved water for public purposes rather than allowing it to free flow downstream is invaluable.

This raises the question about conservation credits being more about a tax break, incentive, or revenue rather than a sustainability issue.

At the time of publication, the Upper Colorado River Commission hadn't explicitly defined how credits will be used yet beyond the thought that it will benefit the Upper Basin.