Monday marked the end of the Imperial Irrigation District’s 49-day Deficit Irrigation Program. Since the Imperial Irrigation District approved and implemented this additional water conservation program – expected to yield 170,000 acre-feet of water this year (and as much as 500,000 AF over the next two years) – the Salton Sea’s rate of decline increased 50% relative to the recent average rate, exposing thousands of additional acres of lakebed, Pacific Institute and Alianza Coachella Valley said in a joint press release. … Since August 12, 2024, the surface elevation of the Salton Sea has fallen by about 10 inches and the Sea has shrunk by about 3,500 acres, exposing even more dust-emitting playa, degrading the health of the surrounding communities.

Other Colorado River articles:

• The Colorado Sun: Other parts of the world remove salt from water to make it drinkable. Is that possible in Colorado?
• Vail Daily: Colorado lawmakers seek federal funding to purchase Shoshone water rights