Drying up
Re “Water project work begins,” Oct. 22
Your article largely ignores the dramatic environmental impact that the new Imperial Valley reservoir will have. Studies show that the once-mighty Colorado River will be completely dry for 354 days a year below its last dam -- desiccating wetlands and killing trees. This is not just a problem for Mexico; habitat and riverside restoration projects in Arizona, south of Yuma, will suffer as well.
Reasonable solutions exist to meet water needs in times of shortage. Destroying habitat and jeopardizing wildlife just so there’s enough water to fill swimming pools reflects poorly on society and water managers.
Michael Cohen
Boulder, Colo.
The writer is a senior associate at the Pacific Institute.
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