In a move that could reshape water distribution in the Southwest, the San Diego County Water Authority has initiated discussions to sell water to other states reliant on the Colorado River. This unprecedented deal aims to establish an interstate water market, a concept celebrated by key negotiators, including the Water Authority’s general manager, Dan Denham.

Complex Negotiations Ahead

Denham likened the effort to a ‘QSA 2.0,’ referencing the 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement where San Diego negotiated water purchases from Imperial Valley farmers. This new deal, however, involves navigating complex legal frameworks and securing the cooperation of the Imperial Irrigation District, which holds longstanding water rights.

The proposed arrangement would not involve physically transporting desalinated water to states like Arizona or Nevada. Instead, it would be a paper exchange, allowing buyers to take an equivalent amount of Colorado River water. This method aims to avoid the environmental and conservation issues triggered by the original QSA.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, questions remain about how this deal might affect California’s overall water allocation from the Colorado River. Each state has specific entitlements, and drought conditions often lead to contentious negotiations over water usage. The Southwest is currently facing record-low river levels, underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.

Farmers in the Imperial Valley express concerns that urban centers trading water investments could lead to increased pressure on agriculture to reduce water use. As discussions progress, balancing these interests will be crucial to reaching a successful agreement.

Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.