The agreement reached by Colorado and the six other states in the Colorado River basin Dec. 13 marks a huge step forward - the largest advance in water policy in more than 80 years. It will give the entire region more flexibility to cope with rising population, dwindling water supplies and the vagaries of the weather. Since the Front Range relies on the river for roughly half its drinking water, the agreement, which runs through 2026, makes access to this liquid lifeline more secure. It also raises the stakes for the fast-growing Lower Basin states (Arizona, Nevada and California) to use water more wisely. If they fail to do so, they will no longer be able to count on getting their current allotments. The real possibility of cutbacks and rationing in the Lower Basin should better protect the health of the river and the livelihoods of the millions of people who depend on it. Under the deal, Lake Powell and Lake Mead - which are both less than half full - will be managed as one reservoir. They will rise and fall in tandem.

To view the full article, visit the Rocky Mountain News. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.