We explored the lower Colorado River where virtually every drop of the river is allocated, yet demand is growing from myriad sources — increasing population, declining habitat, drought and climate change.

The 1,450-mile river is a lifeline to 40 million people in the Southwest across seven states and Mexico. How the Lower Basin states – Arizona, California and Nevada – use and manage this water to meet agricultural, urban, environmental and industrial needs was the focus of this tour.

This 3-day, 2-night tour traveled along the Lower Colorado River from Hoover Dam to the Salton Sea and the Coachella Valley. Along the way, experts discussed challenges related to what is the most contested, beloved for recreation and meticulously managed river in the United States. 

What attendees said about this tour:

“This tour was so well put together. You guys did a spectacular job. The topics were relevant, the speakers good, the other participants fun and knowledgeable. You could offer consulting services on how to do tours!”

“Being able to visit places most can’t, with a good explanation – Copper Basin in particular.”

“Great range of speakers. Great to meet fellow tour participants. Interesting locations to visit. Intensive (in a good way).”

Stops Included:

• Hoover Dam, featuring a private tour
• Central Arizona Project facilities
• Mohave Valley Conservation Area
• Copper Basin, Gene Pumping Plant and other Metropolitan Water District of Southern California facilities
• Farms in the Imperial and Coachella valleys
• The Salton Sea
• Imperial Dam
• Indian Canyons

Topics Included:

• Drought conditions and shortage criteria in the Colorado River Basin
• Lower Basin state perspectives – Arizona, California and Nevada
• The Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA)
• Warren H. Brock Storage Reservoir and lining the All-American Canal
• Binational water management 
• Agricultural water use, drainage issues and salinity
• The Colorado River Basin Study
• Endangered species and the Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
• Salton Sea restoration project issues
• Climate change

Tour Start and End Points:

This tour traveled from Las Vegas to Ontario International Airport. It started at the Hampton Inn Tropicana at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11.