The Colorado River is at a breaking point. For decades, overuse, outdated policies, and prolonged drought have pushed this vital resource to the brink. Millions of people, farms, and ecosystems depend on the river, yet its flow is shrinking at an alarming rate¹. Without immediate intervention, the consequences will be catastrophic.

Why the River Is Disappearing

Agriculture consumes nearly 80% of the water in Colorado and much of the American West². Large-scale farms dominate usage, with just 20 farming families in California’s Imperial Valley consuming more water than some entire states³. Much of this water is used to grow hay for livestock feed, including for export markets, while urban areas and ecosystems scramble for what’s left.

Outdated water rights laws compound the crisis. Policies like Colorado’s “use it or lose it” rule encourage wasteful practices, while the “free river” condition allows some users to take more than their legal share during high-flow periods⁴. These loopholes prioritize individual interests over the collective good, worsening the crisis for everyone who depends on the river.

The Urgent Need for Water Management Rules

Colorado’s water policies have not adapted to the reality of climate change and the demands of a growing population. The state currently lacks clear rules for managing water during a compact call—a scenario in which Colorado must reduce its water use to fulfill legal obligations to downstream states⁵. Without these rules, Colorado risks chaos, economic losses, and prolonged legal battles that will only deepen the crisis.

Farmers and ranchers are already struggling to secure enough water for their crops and livestock. Further delays in creating water management regulations will harm rural communities, urban residents, and the environment alike. To ensure fairness and sustainability, Colorado must act now to establish a framework that balances the needs of all water users.

Your Voice Can Make a Difference

It’s time to demand action. By signing this petition, you can urge the Colorado Department of Agriculture to develop comprehensive water management rules that address the crisis head-on. These rules will:

• Ensure fair water-sharing protocols during shortages.
• Protect senior water rights while addressing the needs of vulnerable users.
• Incentivize conservation through sustainable farming practices and efficient irrigation.
• Preserve the ecosystems and wildlife that depend on the Colorado River.

Every day of inaction brings us closer to irreversible damage. The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure a future where the Colorado River continues to support families, farms, and the environment.

Sign the Petition Today

Join us in calling for urgent action to save the Colorado River. Sign the petition now and make your voice heard. Together, we can secure a sustainable future for all who depend on this lifeline.

More on this issue:

1. Shannon Mullane, The Colorado Sun (14 August 2023), "40 million people share the shrinking Colorado River. Here’s how that water gets divvied up."
2. Jerd Smith, Fresh Water News (3 October 2024), "Farmers use the majority of Colorado’s water. Shouldn’t they bear the burden of future cutbacks?"
3. Nat Lash and Janet Wilson, ProPublica (9 November 2023), "The 20 Farming Families Who Use More Water From the Colorado River Than Some Western States."
4. Heather Sackett, The Colorado Sun (2 October 2024), "Colorado’s water users are told “use it or lose it.” But is the threat real?"
5. Shannon Mullane, The Colorado Sun (11 November 2024), "A century-old practice allows people to use more than their legal share of Colorado River water. Researchers say it should stop."