Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West

Award-winning journalist Heather Hansman paddles down the Green River, exploring the present and future of water in the American West, highlighting the river's importance, overuse, and at-risk status due to fights over its water.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The Green River, a vital tributary of the Colorado River, spans a remarkable 730 miles from its icy origins in Wyoming's majestic glaciers to the arid canyons of Utah. Along its winding path, it meanders through sprawling ranches, bustling cities, awe-inspiring national parks, and precious habitats for endangered fish species. Moreover, the Green River holds immense significance as a source of water for a staggering 33 million people, making it a crucial, overused, and increasingly vulnerable resource.

The challenges facing the Green River are multifaceted and deeply concerning. Dams have impeded its flow, diverting water for irrigation and other purposes, while urbanization has further depleted its resources by siphoning off its waters. The relentless heat and aridity of the West have only exacerbated these issues, making the fight over the river's water and its future even more intense and complex.

These conflicts over water have been ongoing for decades, and they show no signs of resolution. They are entrenched, intractable, and growing more urgent with each passing year as the West experiences unprecedented heatwaves, droughts, and population growth. The growing demand for water, coupled with the limited supply, has led to tensions between various stakeholders, including farmers, city officials, environmentalists, and indigenous communities.

Heather Hansman, a former raft guide and environmental reporter, was driven by a desire to gain a fresh perspective on these ongoing battles. She embarked on a remarkable journey, paddling a one-person inflatable pack raft from the river's source to its confluence. Through her lyrical accounts of quiet paddling through breathtaking beauty, as well as nights spent camping solo, Hansman weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the present and future of water in the West.

Downriver is a testament to Hansman's determination and curiosity. It combines her personal experiences with insightful discussions with farmers, city officials, and other individuals who have a deep connection to the Green River and its ecosystems. The book offers a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region's water resources.

One of the key themes explored in Downriver is the impact of dams on the river's ecosystem. While dams have provided hydroelectric power and water storage, they have also altered the natural flow of the river, disrupting the delicate balance of its ecosystems. The construction of dams has led to the loss of habitat for fish and other aquatic species, as well as the degradation of riverbanks and wetlands.

Furthermore, the diversion of water for irrigation has had a significant impact on the Green River's health. While irrigation has been crucial for agricultural development, it has also contributed to the depletion of groundwater resources and the salinization of soil. The overuse of water has led to the drying up of springs and the degradation of riverbanks, further compromising the river's ecosystem.

Despite these challenges, Downriver also highlights the potential for positive change and conservation efforts. The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration and sustainable practices in managing water resources. It advocates for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, the implementation of water conservation measures, and the promotion of renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Furthermore, Downriver raises important questions about the role of indigenous communities in water management. The book acknowledges the historical and cultural significance of the Green River to indigenous peoples and recognizes their expertise in sustainable water management practices. It calls for the recognition and respect of indigenous rights and the inclusion of indigenous communities in decision-making processes related to water resources.

In conclusion, Downriver is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a comprehensive exploration of the present and future of water in the American West. Through Heather Hansman's personal journey and insightful discussions, the book provides a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region's water resources. It serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together to protect and conserve this vital resource for generations to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226819976