The Colorado River System

The location of the Colorado River System

The Colorado River Basin is located in the south western United States and the north of Mexico. The US states that share the river basin are Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico. / Describe the water management scheme
During the past 50 years this once free flowing river has been tamed by a gigantic plumbing system consisting of
•  14 major dams and reservoirs e.g. the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
•  Hundreds of smaller dams.
•  A network of aqueducts and canals that supply water to farmers, ranchers and cities e.g. the All American Canal in south-western California carries water from the Colorado River to 9 Cities and the Imperial Valley which produces $1 billion worth of crops per year.
There is a lot more that could be added to this from page 138-140 (red)
why the water management scheme was needed
•  electricity (from hydroelectric plants at major dams)
•  water for more than 25 million people in 7 states
•  water used to produce about 15% of the nation's produce and livestock
•  multi-billion recreation industry of
–  whitewater rafting
–  boating
–  fishing
–  camping
–  hiking
•  enjoyed by 15 million people a year. / Explain the impact that the management of this area has on people and the environment
Environmental:
•  Because of so many withdrawals, the river rarely makes it to the Gulf of California.
•  The reduced flow of the river at the mouth has led to a loss of habitats for birds (such as the egret) and fish (such as the totoaba)
People:
Positives:
·  The huge reservoirs that have been created e.g. Lake Mead behind the Hoover dam provide excellent opportunities for leisure activities e.g. boating.
·  Renewable energy is provided for people and industry at HEP plants.
·  It allows water to be provided for 25 million people in 7 states.
·  Economic benefits for areas like Las Vegas – water provision has led to the growth of the leisure and tourism industry.
Negatives:
·  Water use has become unsustainable as there are too many competing users. This has led to conflict.
·  Economic impacts for Mexico as not enough water available to support farming.
·  Loss of settlements as a result of dam creation e.g. Glen Canyon Dam
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Exam questions:

·  Choose a water management scheme you have studied. Explain why the scheme was needed (6)

·  Choose a water management scheme you have studied. Explain the effects of the scheme (6).