The Imperial Irrigation District is keeping its eye on a binational order that could allow Mexico to store Colorado River water in the United States.
District staff reported this week that they are working with the International Boundary and Water Commission on plans to provide a more secure supply of Colorado River water, and some of the most recent work includes plans to store some of Mexico’s entitlement of water and other projects.
The International Boundary and Water Commission Minute 319 that is being formed includes different components, like binational projects to store or desalinate water, said IID Colorado River water issue manager Michael King. The international group wants to get the order approved by December, though that may be tough to do.
Some of the projects in discussion could have a partial impact in the district, said attorney John Carter. One example is that if water is stored in Lake Mead, there will be less water going through local hydro-electric facilities, but there could be more water left in Lake Mead. That could allow for less chance of a drought declaration, which would have impacts on how the water is distributed.
IID Director Matt Dessert was concerned that while Mexico could be afforded the flexibility to store water, the IID doesn’t seem to have that same flexibility. The district has to store to meet its need, he said. It needs more flexibility in the use of its water to make the whole system better.
IID Board President Stella Mendoza also said she was concerned because IID has looked into storing water in Lake Mead, but hasn’t been able to. The district needs to find a water storage solution too, she said.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441.
District staff reported this week that they are working with the International Boundary and Water Commission on plans to provide a more secure supply of Colorado River water, and some of the most recent work includes plans to store some of Mexico’s entitlement of water and other projects.
The International Boundary and Water Commission Minute 319 that is being formed includes different components, like binational projects to store or desalinate water, said IID Colorado River water issue manager Michael King. The international group wants to get the order approved by December, though that may be tough to do.
Some of the projects in discussion could have a partial impact in the district, said attorney John Carter. One example is that if water is stored in Lake Mead, there will be less water going through local hydro-electric facilities, but there could be more water left in Lake Mead. That could allow for less chance of a drought declaration, which would have impacts on how the water is distributed.
IID Director Matt Dessert was concerned that while Mexico could be afforded the flexibility to store water, the IID doesn’t seem to have that same flexibility. The district has to store to meet its need, he said. It needs more flexibility in the use of its water to make the whole system better.
IID Board President Stella Mendoza also said she was concerned because IID has looked into storing water in Lake Mead, but hasn’t been able to. The district needs to find a water storage solution too, she said.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441.
