New analysis out today from environmental organization Food & Water Watch reveals the egregious water abuse by certain agribusiness sectors, particularly alfalfa and mega-dairies. Protecting the Colorado River – which supplies water for nearly 40 million Americans every year – is more vital than ever now, as President Trump’s administration’s decisions are putting our water resources even more at risk. 

Analysis reveals the agribusiness industry’s over-consumption of the Colorado River’s water including that: 

• In 2024, thirsty alfalfa farms consumed an estimated 2.15 trillion gallons of water across all seven Basin states. 40% of these farms are 1,000+ acres.
  • This could supply the Basin states’ 40 million people with water for 3 and a half years.
• In 2022, mega-dairies consumed an estimated 82 billion gallons of water across six of the seven Basin states.
  • This is enough to supply over 5.3 million people with their annual indoor water needs.
• In Basin states, the average acre-feet of water applied per acre of agricultural land is 70% higher than the US average. 

This agricultural system has created a feedback loop where more thirsty crops are being grown to feed animals on factory farms, leaving less water for communities.

One of the Trump administration’s first executive orders paused about $4 billion that had been set aside to protect the Colorado River. Some funds are reportedly resorted, but many remain in limbo. In addition, federal staff cuts continue to threaten water security across the Western United States at large.

All of this comes as the surrounding river basin states are currently negotiating a plan for cutting water use along the Colorado, with the current interim rules expiring at the end of 2026. A week after Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission resigned after pressure from the new administration – with the seat still remaining vacant. In January, Arizona’s government included up to $3 million for litigation related to the Colorado River in a proposed state budget – lending credence to suspicions that negotiations could break down and lead to a Supreme Court battle.

“With the Colorado River already under threat from President Trump’s nonsensical and damaging water policies and funding cuts, it is more imperative than ever that we protect our precious water resources,” said Food & Water Watch Research Director Amanda Starbuck. “Big Ag operations in Basin States continue to use staggering amounts of water and don’t seem to be letting up any time soon. Basin State leaders must hold firm on water conservation goals and take on major water abusers by instituting a moratorium on new and expanding nut crop and mega-dairy operations.”