Future of our water

An urgent letter to the editor of The Pagosa Springs Sun details a severe water crisis impacting Colorado, particularly the Pagosa Springs area. Climatologist Russ Schumacher and Colorado River Water Conservation District water manager Andy Mueller confirm record low mountain snowpack as of April 2026, with reservoirs at historic lows and half of Colorado experiencing extreme drought. The author warns that this early warmth and dryness, combined with existing issues like overused aquifers and aging infrastructure, signals a dire future for the region's water supply. The letter criticizes the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) for suing to block a necessary reservoir, questioning how water bill funds are being used for this "frivolous lawsuit." Additionally, the author raises concerns about the immense water demands of massive data centers, projecting their U.S. usage by 2028 to equal that of 18.5 million households, which would further strain the already parched West. The piece concludes by emphasizing the immediate need to adapt to climate change and secure reliable water for future generations.