Dead Pool: Colorado River Megadrought Threatens Water Supply for 40 Million People

Featured Speaker: Mark Stadler, MPA

The Colorado River provides drinking water for 40 million people, power production and agricultural irrigation in seven states – as well as those of us in San Diego County – and Mexico. But the river has been in a drought for 23 years, and even this year's wet winter has only made a dent in the cumulative water shortage. The two largest reservoirs it feeds are less than one-third full, leaving them in danger of reaching dead pool, which occurs when water can no longer be withdrawn from the reservoir and delivered to customers.

The federal Bureau of Reclamation has ordered California and the other six states to collaborate to significantly reduce the amount of water they take from the river. If representatives of the states are unable to agree on a plan, the Bureau will develop one for them.

This class will focus on the history of our use of the Colorado River, how we arrived in the current shortage situation, why the river is so important to San Diego County, why the seven states have reached an impasse and potential solutions to this serious dilemma.

Presenter Biography

Mark Stadler retired in September 2021 after 32 years at the San Diego County Water Authority, the San Diego Region’s public water wholesaler. Mark served in several capacities at the Water Authority. From 1997 to 2021, he was manager of the San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management program, an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort aimed at developing long-term water supply reliability, protecting water quality and natural resources and addressing climate change impacts. Prior to joining the Water Authority, he worked as a writer and editor for several local newspapers. Mark has lived in San Diego since 1962. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from UCSD and a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State.

Coordinator: Steve Clarey