A large share of the Colorado River's water is used for agriculture, and much of the water goes toward irrigating alfalfa and other hay crops to feed cattle.
Water use in millions of acre-feet
Cities (including municipal,
commercial and industrial uses)
3.54
Alfalfa and other hay
6.24
Irrigated
agriculture
Total Colorado River consumption
19.25 million acre-feet
Other crops
3.85
Riparian and wetland evapotranspiration
3.57
Reservoir evaporation
2.05
Water use in millions of acre-feet
Cities (including municipal,
commercial and industrial uses)
3.54
Alfalfa and other hay
6.24
Total Colorado River
consumption
19.25 million
acre-feet
Irrigated
agriculture
Other crops
3.85
Riparian and wetland evapotranspiration
3.57
Reservoir evaporation
2.05
Figures are an annual average for 2000-2019.
Richter et al
Aida Ylanan LOS ANGELES TIMES