Water

Arizona is one of seven states that rely on the Colorado River. Snowfall in the northern Rockies kept the river alive for generations. No more. Due to withering drought from climate change, the river limps along, barely providing enough water for homes, businesses, and agriculture. Cities made significant strides reducing water usage but it’s not enough. Take Phoenix, for example, where I live. Development of housing, data centers, and hotels is rampant on nearly every vacant slice of land. Data centers consume a huge amount of water that we cannot spare. From a local highway, I can see four huge apartment developments under construction. There should be a sign for renters that says BYOW – bring your own water. Water rates are rising in Phoenix and the surrounding areas but I fear it’s too little too late. There simply isn’t enough water to go around. Politicians and business leaders kicked the can down the road for way too long. What now? Will the cities collapse without water? Will banks be on the hook from developers who cannot pay for deserted buildings? Will there be mass migration north? To avoid a mass catastrophe, western cities have to take decisive actions, which will be unpopular, but it’s the only way to save ourselves. We cannot continue to keep feeding thirsty lawns, building water parks, and swimming pools. I’m glad to be old. I don’t want to be around for the day of reckoning, which will come eventually.