U.S.-Mexico Agree On Lake Mead Water Storage
A recent pact between the U.S. and Mexico to store some of Mexico’s share of Colorado River water in Lake Mead is seen as a positive step toward possible cross-border trading of water rates in the drought-stricken river basin. Following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the Mexicali region last spring, Mexico needs the storage while it repairs 398 miles of damaged canals and pipes.
The agreement calls for Mexico to store as much as 260,000 acre-feet from its share of Colorado River water over the next three years in Lake Mead. While the water deposit will account for less than one percent of the depleted reservoir’s total capacity, the successful negotiations led to plans for further talks to determine how future water shortages are shared. (While seven basin states in the U.S. agreed in 2007 on a “shortage sharing” agreement for river flows, Mexico’s share of water shortage was not determined.) Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has indicated that reaching a deal on that issue is a top priority for 2011.
Irish Austerity Plan Introduces Water Charges
Faced with a stark economic outlook, Ireland announced the introduction of domestic water charges and metering by 2014, which the government estimates will result in annual operational savings of up to €500 million. While ending the concept of “free water” in the country, the move is expected to provide an essential revenue stream as the Irish government attempts to make €14.6 billion in budgetary savings between 2011 and 2014. Provision of domestic water services cost the Irish Exchequer €590 million in 2008.