Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act Becomes Law
January 9, 2025
President Biden has signed into law the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act, which will address the long-standing issue of salinity in the Colorado River. The bill, designated as Public Law 118 – 183, was passed by Congress in December 2024.
Background
The Colorado River is a vital water source for over 40 million people and 5 million acres of farmland in seven western states. However, the river has been plagued by increasing salinity levels, which can damage crops, harm wildlife, and corrode infrastructure.
The salinity problem is caused by salts naturally occurring in the soil and rocks of the Colorado River Basin. When these salts are dissolved in water, they increase the water’s salinity. Over time, the accumulation of these salts in the river has led to elevated salinity levels.
Key Provisions of the Act
The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act includes several key provisions to address the salinity issue:
- Funding for Salinity Control Measures: The bill authorizes $500 million over five years for the construction and operation of salinity control projects. These projects may include desalination facilities, ion exchange systems, and other technologies to remove salts from the river.
- Research and Monitoring: The bill establishes a research and monitoring program to track salinity levels in the Colorado River and assess the effectiveness of salinity control measures.
- Coordination among States: The bill encourages the seven Colorado River Basin states to work together to develop and implement a coordinated salinity control plan.
Benefits of the Act
The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act is expected to provide numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Water Quality: The act will help to reduce salinity levels in the Colorado River, improving the water quality for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.
- Protected Ecosystems: Reduced salinity will benefit aquatic plants and animals, as well as the riparian ecosystems that depend on the river.
- Reduced Infrastructure Corrosion: Lower salinity levels will help to protect pipelines, canals, and other infrastructure from corrosion.
Implementation
The Bureau of Reclamation will be responsible for implementing the provisions of the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act. The agency will work with the Colorado River Basin states to develop and implement salinity control measures.
Conclusion
The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act is a significant step towards resolving the long-standing salinity issue in the Colorado River. The act will provide funding for salinity control projects, research and monitoring, and encourage coordination among the basin states. These measures will help to protect the water quality, ecosystems, and infrastructure of the Colorado River for generations to come.
Public Law 118 – 183 – Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act
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