Are there any Imperial County crops that could conceivably be grown without the use of Colorado River water?
The simple answer is no, in a climate like ours (dry to relatively dry region or arid to semi arid region), the only way to grow crop is to apply water (irrigation). In general, there are two sources of water for irrigation; surface sources like Colorado River water or subsurface sources like groundwater. The groundwater in this region is too salty to grow any crop. If the salinity (total dissolved salts) in irrigation water is high, then you can’t use the water for irrigation or drinking. The salinity of Colorado River water is about 650 ppm (or 650 mg/L). Most crops will die if you use saline water (salinity in excess of 1300 mg/L) for irrigation. The salinity of the Pacific Ocean is about 35,000 mg/L.
Related Questions
- Didn the Imperial Irrigation District and County Water Authority water transfer agreement guarantee water for the future?
- Are there any Imperial County crops that could conceivably be grown without the use of Colorado River water?
- Are there any plans to consolidate Washoe Countys water business with TMWA?
