Preparing for a Drier Future: Welfare Consequences on the Salton Sea Region of Re-allocating Colorado River Flow Deficit

Jacob Rightnar and Ariel Dinar

from ARE Update Vol. 23, No. 6, Jul/Aug, 2020

View Article PDF: Preparing for a Drier Future: Welfare Consequences on the Salton Sea Region of Re-allocating Colorado River Flow Deficit

Abstract

Colorado River water flow is running short of its 1922 allocation to users. We assess effects of reallocation of Colorado River water deficit on sectoral and regional welfare in the Salton Sea Region. We use several allocation schemes from previous regional studies, including an allocation based on priority to greatest regional benefit, and allocations based on proportional water quantity reductions with and without social preferences to certain users. We derive water allocations that are most beneficial and feasible for the region as less water becomes available.

Keywords

Colorado River water, Salton Sea, water scarcity, bankruptcy allocation, regional welfare

Citation

Jacob Rightnar and Ariel Dinar. 2020. "Preparing for a Drier Future: Welfare Consequences on the Salton Sea Region of Re-allocating Colorado River Flow Deficit." ARE Update 23(6): 5-8. University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics.
https://giannini.ucop.edu/filer/file/1597260842/19730/