Study Finds Cattle-Feed Crops Consume Majority of Colorado River Water

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Colorado River,Water Shortage,Cattle-Feed Crops

A new study reveals that cattle-feed crops, particularly alfalfa, consume a significant portion of the water diverted from the Colorado River, exacerbating chronic water shortages. Agriculture accounts for 74% of the river's water usage, surpassing the combined usage of all the cities relying on the river.

With chronic water shortage s afflicting the Colorado River , discussions about how to cut usage have increasingly focused on a thirsty crop that consumes an especially large share of the river’s water: hay that is grown to feed cattle and produce beef and dairy products. In a new study, researchers found that alfalfa and other cattle-feed crops consume 46% of the water that is diverted from the river, accounting for nearly two-thirds of agricultural water use.

The research also shows that agriculture is the dominant user of Colorado River water, accounting for 74% of the water that is diverted — about three times the combined usage of all the cities that depend on the river

Colorado River Water Shortage Cattle-Feed Crops Agriculture Water Usage

 

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