Inflation Reduction Act to provide drought mitigation funding

The Biden-Harris Administration, Washington, D.C., announced the creation of a new program intended to increase water conservation and water efficiency within the Colorado River Basin in October. 

The Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program, is funded with an initial allocation through the Inflation Reduction Act and managed through the Bureau of Reclamation. 

“The prolonged drought afflicting the West is one of the most significant challenges facing our country. I have seen firsthand how climate change is exacerbating the drought crisis and putting pressure on the communities who live across Western landscapes,” says Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of Interior secretary.

“Thanks to historic funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Interior Department is committed to using every resource available to conserve water and ensure that irrigators, Tribes and adjoining communities receive adequate assistance and support to build resilient communities and protect our water supplies.”

There are three components attached to the funding. In the first component, eligible applicants may submit proposals for system conservation resulting in wet water remaining in Lake Mead at a set price. The second component of the program will accept proposals for additional water conservation and efficiency projects that could involve a variety of pricing options and the third component allows for proposals to be submitted in early 2023 for long-term system efficiency improvements that will result in multi-year system conservation, according to the Department of the Interior. 

“This significant investment from the Inflation Reduction Act enables the Bureau of Reclamation to improve water management and conservation efforts in the Colorado River Basin today–and for the future,” Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton says.

“The Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program provides both new opportunities for system conservation and more durable long-term solutions for areas experiencing drought.”

Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act here.