This is a simplistic explanation of a very controlled frame work. Depending on the crop and agricultural techniques, irrigated lands generally have much higher yields and productivity per acre than dry land operations. Municipal and industrial water resource management is much different than agricultural water resource management, even though the same river systems and water reservoirs are used by all water users for their source of water. Municipal use requires an absolute or year round water right that is usually more expensive to acquire, develop and manage than other conditional or seasonal diversion rights. City water utilities or rural water systems provide water on a flat charge plus cost per 1,000 gallon rate that may span a wide range of pricing structures depending on many factors.
People are increasingly concerned about the safety of the water resources.
Whether it is the cost of diversion, recycle water, storage, treatment, and distribution water conservation makes sense in the Four Corners area. As an Environ Club member, we want to have access to water testing that will compare to the results of EPA standards. Improvements in analytical methods allow us to be able to find contaminants. We cannot expect pure water, but we want safe water. Water resource management is critical for communities, agriculture, business and industry in the Four Corners Region.