The Stream, April 18: Water Conflicts In Western U.S.

Irrigators in Texas and New Mexico are unhappy with a decision by the International Boundary and Water Commission to release reservoir water to Mexico, the Associated Press reported. The U.S. farmers wanted to delay the annual water release in order to cope with drought later in the growing season, but Mexican farmers, who are dealing with their own drought, requested that their water be delivered at the usual time in late spring to ensure successful cotton crops.

A proposed $US 16 billion nuclear power project in Utah has reignited debate about water use in the increasingly stressed Colorado River Basin, InsideClimate News reported. The plant could consume up to 53,000 acre feet (65 million cubic meters) of water annually.

Upgrading existing dams used for flood control and irrigation could increase hydropower capacity 15 percent, according to a study from the U.S. Energy Department, Bloomberg News reported.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen is deteriorating, with millions in need of clean water, sanitation and food, Xinhua reported, citing the United Nations humanitarian chief.

Buenos Aires is unprepared to deal with extreme weather events, such as heavier rains, that are increasing in frequency due to climate change, Inter Press Service reported.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek