Imperial Valley: Tensions Brewing Over Water Supply

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published March 6, 2008 at 10:38 AM PST

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

The West is an arid region. However, the Colorado River has transformed Imperial and San Diego Counties into fertile, populated regions that thrive with the free flow of water. But an eight year droug

Tom Fudge: If you haven't noticed it yet, the West is an arid, dry place. So how can we live, and flourish, in a desert? Imported water, of course. Both Imperial and San Diego Counties rely heavily on the water of the Colorado River to grow food, water lawns, and fill bathtubs. But the Colorado has been in the grip of an eight year drought, and as populations continue to grow, and scientists warn us about climate change, water will remain a contentious, scarce resource.

Guest

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John Pierre Menvielle , president of the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors. John Pierre is also a third-generation Imperial Valley farmer.