Water Security at Risk as Monument Protections Face Changes
Recent findings by the Center for American Progress highlight potential threats to water security due to possible changes in national monument boundaries. Key monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante currently help protect river corridors, which are crucial to the water systems of major cities such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The report warns that altering these boundaries could open these areas to development, impacting vital water sources (report).
Drew McConville, a co-author of the report, emphasized the importance of the existing monument boundaries as they often serve as the sole barrier against potentially harmful activities like mining and drilling. He remarked, “If the Trump administration were to decide to strip protections from these lands, they could be exposed to extractive development and all of the pollution and impacts that could come along with it.”
The potential consequences extend beyond the monuments themselves. McConville pointed out that many rural, small-town, and tribal communities could face exacerbated water quality issues, especially as they already deal with drought and aging water infrastructure. The loss of upstream protections might lead to higher treatment costs and increased risks of contamination.
McConville further stated, “These are communities that are facing drought and worsening impacts because of climate change. They really can’t afford to have their drinking water sources put at risk.” The decisions made could have long-lasting effects on the region’s water security.
This article is a collaborative effort by the Mountain West News Bureau, including contributions from KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona, and NPR. The bureau receives support from various newsrooms across the region, with partial funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
