Coachella Valley Water Sustainability: Reducing Reliance on the Colorado River
Abstract
How can we reduce dependence on scarce groundwater resources in Coachella Valley, California?
The Coachella Valley’s water supply comes from groundwater, recycled water, and imported water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project; however, the over-extraction of the Colorado River, infrastructure limitations, and climate change have led to water shortages across California. With 40 million Americans relying on the Colorado River for fresh water, consistent water extraction has led to a 25% decrease in water capacity; therefore, reducing dependence on the water source is highly critical for sustainable water usage and climate adaptation in the Coachella Valley. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is responsible for managing Coachella Valley’s water supply; however, low-income communities, especially in Eastern Coachella Valley, still face unequal access to clean water. Our project proposes a three-part strategy to address these issues: educating the public on conservation, applying modifications to Coachella Valley’s landscape rebate program to encourage more water-efficient landscaping, and starting a program to convert plant waste into compost for community members. Funding for this project will come from state and federal grants, CVWD, and public and private partnerships, allowing long-term sustainable water usage while addressing economic and environmental disparities.
