Transcript:

From Colorado to Mexico, the Rio Grande and its tributaries provide drinking water for millions of people, irrigate vast areas of farmland, and provide habitat for native cutthroat trout.

So the water is in high demand, and strains on the river system are growing.

As the climate warms, droughts are becoming more intense. And mountain snowpack, which melts into the streams that feed the Rio Grande, is declining.

To make sure there will be enough water for farmers in the spring and summer, water is held back during the winter in upstream reservoirs. That reduces the water flowing through streams and rivers in winter months.

Terry: “That’s clearly a threat to the trout populations that exist in these rivers.”

Kevin Terry is with Trout Unlimited. His group works with farmers, water districts, and others to arrange releases from upstream reservoirs during the winter when possible.

Terry: “To keep the ecosystems healthy and keep fish as healthy as possible, while at the same time delivering water supplies to downstream communities for other benefits, including augmentation of well depletions, supplies for livestock.”

He says as water becomes scarcer in the region, it’s critical that people work together to make the best use of every drop.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media