Congress urged to take action on Colorado River

Government officials are urging Congress to find solutions to deal with possible water shortages in the Colorado River basin.

Colorado Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Udall told the Water and Power Subcommittee on Tuesday strategies include reducing demand through innovation, conservation and better management of the water supplies.

According to the Durango Herald, a two-year study by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation found the river will not be able to provide enough water for its nearby communities in 50 years.

The Colorado River basin and its tributaries supply water to nearly 40 million people in seven states, including Colorado.