# Continual Alert for Water Shortage in the Colorado River and Its Impact on Baja California
The Secretariat for Water Management, Sanitation, and Protection (Seproa) has issued another urgent warning regarding the water crisis in Baja California, emphasizing the extraordinary measures that need to be implemented immediately.
During a state government conference, Víctor Amador Barragán, head of Seproa, reiterated that the water shortage in the Colorado River is a significant crisis that cannot be delayed. He highlighted the critical status of Lake Mead, where water levels have dropped below 40%, raising alarms on both sides of the border.
“This is a situation we must address and adapt to. We need to take preventive measures and learn to conserve water,” Amador Barragán stated.
Particularly, the agricultural sector in the region must reduce water usage. “The fields need to be more efficient because there simply won’t be enough water to continue irrigating as usual,” he explained.
Barragán also referenced Act 323, which includes efforts to improve water channels and agricultural parcels to increase field efficiency and manage potential further reductions in water supply to Baja California. For 2024, an initial water cut of 600 million cubic meters was negotiated down to 493 million cubic meters, but the urgency to implement these water-saving measures persists.
## Additional Insights on the Water Crisis in Baja California
In related news, other sources have reported on the far-reaching implications of the water crisis impacting the Colorado River Basin and Baja California:
1. **Water Supply Disruptions and School Initiatives**: Campaigns such as ‘Schools with Water’ are focused on bridging the gap in water accessibility, ensuring that students across Mexico have reliable water supplies.
2. **Economic Impacts and Utility Bill Challenges**: The CESPT (State Commission for Public Services of Tijuana) revealed that 40% of customers are behind on water payments, partially driven by the recent heatwave that led to a 10% increase in water consumption.
3. **Heatwave Effects**: The ongoing heatwave has exacerbated the situation, resulting in higher water consumption rates, which further strains the already limited supply in the region.
4. **Efforts to Sustain Agriculture**: The government is encouraging innovative agricultural techniques to help sustain crop production with less water.
The escalating water crisis necessitates immediate action, cooperation across sectors, and public awareness about the critical need for water conservation and efficient resource management.