MWD explores Colorado River crop substitution pilot to slash agricultural water use

MWD explores Colorado River crop substitution pilot to slash agricultural water useDriven by the impending expiration of Colorado River operating guidelines, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is evaluating a crop swap program that could reduce agricultural water consumption from 4.5 to 1 acre-foot per acre.

MWD has signed a non-binding MOU with a confidential farming entity to gather data on swapping alfalfa for a low-water-use crop in the Palo Verde and Imperial Irrigation Districts.

The targeted crop uses 1 acre-foot of water per acre, compared to the 4.5 acre-feet typically required for alfalfa.

The evaluation will take at least six months and assess verifiable water savings, economic impacts on the farm service economy, and environmental effects such as reduced return flows to the Salton Sea.

The initiative aligns with a broader Lower Basin proposal to conserve 440,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water annually in 2027 and 2028.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) is evaluating a crop substitution pilot program with agricultural partners along the Colorado River, aiming to secure significant water conservation without resorting to land fallowing. During a June 23, 2026, meeting of MWD's Special Committee on Ag and Tribal Partnerships, staff detailed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with a confidential farming entity operating in the Palo Verde Irrigation District (PVID) and Imperial Irrigation District (IID). The agreement allows MWD to gather data on a low-water-use crop that requires just 1 acre-foot of water per acre, compared to the 4.5 acre-feet per acre typically consumed by alfalfa. The initiative is driven by the urgent need to identify new conservation programs ahead of the expiration of the current Colorado River operating guidelines. It also aligns with a proposal from the Lower Basin states to the US Bureau of Reclamation to reduce water use by roughly 440,000 acre-feet annually in 2027 and 2028. "What's promising about crop substitution, other than the water savings, is that it would preserve an agricultural economy," said MWD Resource Specialist Jessica Armes, noting that PVID has expressed a preference for programs that keep land in production. The evaluation phase, expected to take at least six months, will determine whether the water savings can be accurately measured and verified. MWD is currently collecting data on the farming entity's irrigation practices, metering, and operational costs. During the meeting, committee members and visiting directors raised questions about the monitoring and downstream impacts of the potential pilot. Director Pakala questioned how MWD would ensure participating farmers do not exceed the 1 acre-foot per acre limit. Armes stated that current irrigation and metering practices are being studied to establish effective monitoring protocols. Additionally, Director Denham emphasized the need to evaluate the environmental and economic consequences of the program, specifically the potential reduction in agricultural return flows to the Salton Sea and the economic ripple effects on farm service providers due to fewer crop cuttings. Staff confirmed these factors, along with the distinct operational differences between PVID and IID, will be central to the feasibility analysis. If MWD determines the crop substitution yields verifiable water savings and is economically viable, the agency will draft potential terms and engage with PVID and IID to gauge local support for a formal pilot program.