Episode
7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
23:45
Published: Tue Jan 31 2023
Description
In the United States, 40 million people in seven states depend on water provided by the Colorado River.After 20 years of drought, the situation is dire and the river is at risk of becoming a “deadpool,” a condition in which there is not enough water to pass through the dams.The states were supposed to come up with a deal to cut their usage by Tuesday. Now, the federal government may have to step in and make a difficult decision.Guest: Christopher Flavelle, a climate reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: The seven states that rely on the river for water are not expected to reach a deal on reductions. The federal government could impose cuts for the first time in the water supply for millions of Americans.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
Seven states, including California and Arizona, have missed a federal deadline to submit a plan for cutting water use in the Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people.
00:00 - 02:04 (02:04)
Summary
Seven states, including California and Arizona, have missed a federal deadline to submit a plan for cutting water use in the Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people. The river is drying up as a result of climate change and overuse, but attempts to curb its use have been unsuccessful.
Episode7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
PodcastThe Daily
The Colorado River is facing a water shortage crisis as the main source of irrigation and drinking water for downstream states is threatened due to low water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
02:04 - 06:25 (04:21)
Summary
The Colorado River is facing a water shortage crisis as the main source of irrigation and drinking water for downstream states is threatened due to low water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Episode7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
PodcastThe Daily
The assumption that there would be abundant water supply in the American West for development and agriculture was flawed, threatening the future of the region as the supply of water continues to diminish due to drought and climate change.
06:25 - 11:57 (05:32)
Summary
The assumption that there would be abundant water supply in the American West for development and agriculture was flawed, threatening the future of the region as the supply of water continues to diminish due to drought and climate change.
Episode7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
PodcastThe Daily
Arizona and California might need to find new sources of water to solve their water crisis by recycling, desalination or bringing water from other states through pipelines, however, if there isn't a plan agreed upon by both states, the government's action might get stuck in legal fights.
11:57 - 21:46 (09:49)
Summary
Arizona and California might need to find new sources of water to solve their water crisis by recycling, desalination or bringing water from other states through pipelines, however, if there isn't a plan agreed upon by both states, the government's action might get stuck in legal fights.
Episode7 States, 1 River and an Agonizing Choice
PodcastThe Daily
Five officers have been fired and two more have been removed from duty for their involvement in the violent beating of Tyree Nichols in Memphis.
21:51 - 23:42 (01:51)
Summary
Five officers have been fired and two more have been removed from duty for their involvement in the violent beating of Tyree Nichols in Memphis. In Pakistan, a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar killed at least 60 people and injured 157, and was the worst attack in the country in months.