In a new partnership, PBS’ This American Land and Fresh Water News travel to the historic San Luis Valley, where water supplies are under pressure as Front Range developers promote a controversial export plan.
This isn’t the first time developers have made a play for the valley’s farm water. But this attempt comes at a time when farmers in the region are racing to cut water use to preserve the shrinking aquifer beneath their fields.
Many of these growers have been farming here for more than 100 years and want to be left alone to solve their water crisis, protect their heritage, and carve a path to sustainability.
Developers believe an export plan with a pipeline to the Front Range could bring much-needed cash and economic vitality to the region, but few farmers are buying into the proposal. Come with us to meet the people behind the controversy.
Jerd Smith is editor of Fresh Water News. She can be reached at 720-398-6474, via email at jerd@wateredco.org or @jerd_smith.
Fresh Water News is an independent, non-partisan news initiative of Water Education Colorado. WEco is funded by multiple donors. Our editorial policy and donor list can be viewed at wateredco.org.
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