The Water Information Program

Concern about water supply in the Western U.S. is always in the forefront when anyone discusses growth. Debate rages about the benefits and negative impacts of growth. The argument is inevitably framed as "pro-growthers" vs. "no-growthers." This is a false dichotomy. Where are the shades of grey? We can affect the rate of growth. We can reduce the negative impacts. Is it inevitable that we require more water when our population increases? Let's examine this assumption critically. It seems self-evident to many people that more residents require ever more water. This assertion is both misleading and erroneous. First, the amount of incremental water needed to support growth is not a constant. Various communities on the Front Range have quite different per capita consumption. Second, when irrigated agricultural land stops growing crops and livestock and shifts to growing houses, water becomes available. Thus a portion of the increased water needs for this residential development is already offset. Reduction in per capita residential use, reductions in evaporation in storage and transport, reuse of water through grey water systems can all make up for more of the "needed" water. What really is self-evident is that we will eventually run out of new water if demand continues to increase.

To view the full article, visit the Denver Post. 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.