As the population of North-Central Colorado continues to soar, the effects on air and water quality are becoming increasingly evident. The emissions from urban, agricultural, and oil and gas development can accumulate at lower elevations due to the meteorological conditions in the area. Northern Water, a quasi-governmental agency that manages water resources in the region, is pushing for the construction of the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) on behalf of 15 other water providers. This project is intended to provide water to small suburbs that are looking to expand.
The global water crisis is also being exacerbated by nations in the Northern Hemisphere using more water than necessary. This has caused health problems for many communities, leading to legal action to recover their original agrarian lifestyle. In addition, outdated infrastructure in urban areas of the global South can contribute to serious water shortages. In the United States, states that rely on natural water sources are facing an increasingly dire water shortage. This is leading to new conflicts over water resources.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to improve air quality by designing and implementing national programs that will reduce emissions. One example of this is Owens Lake, which had retained water for 800,000 years until 1913 when the Los Angeles aqueduct began diverting water from the Owens River. The states with the most population and industry, such as Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and Florida, produce the most air pollution. These conflicts can be especially prolonged when a community's diversion of water negatively affects nearby human communities and economically vital ecosystems. The Trump administration's efforts to reduce environmental protections and withdraw from the Paris Agreement have hindered federal efforts to combat global warming. Currently, around 80 percent of the world's wastewater is returned to the environment without being treated or cleaned. As population growth continues in North-Central Colorado, it is essential that we take steps to protect our air and water quality.
The EPA has implemented national programs to reduce emissions and improve air quality, but more needs to be done. We must also ensure that our infrastructure is up-to-date and that we are using our natural resources responsibly. It is only through these measures that we can ensure a safe and healthy environment for future generations.
