Imperial Valley's Water Barons: How 20 Families Command the Colorado River

The monopolistic water usage by twenty families in Imperial Valley faces heightened scrutiny as concerns about water resources and conservation grow in the southwestern US.

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ProPublica and The Desert Sun reports reveal the staggering water consumption of these families.

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The roots of this monopoly trace back to the early 1900s when the California Development Co. secured unlimited water usage rights

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Last year, the river's reservoirs, including Lake Mead, hit historic lows, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management.

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Imperial County farmers, benefiting from century-old discriminatory water laws, exploit their privileged access to water resources in the Lower Basin of the Colorado River in 2022

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California’s geo-climatic conditions worsen the situation, with water scarcity exacerbating the impact of this monopolistic control the general population.

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Federal authorities now intervene due to persistent water shortages in neighboring states, pressuring the Imperial IID to make cuts

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Despite supporting the local farming industry, these families face increased scrutiny, with calls for significant water conservation efforts.

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