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The Colorado River There have been disputes over how the water of the Colorado River should be allocated for many decades. Until this day, a decision has not been made. During the debate, I was on Mexico’s team. We believed that the delta should be partially restored because it would be in the best interest of all parties involved. The 1400 mile river flows through seven basin states (including Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada) and also Mexico (www.crwua.org). Based on the research that I have conducted, I agree with the perspective that the delta should be restored because this would help Mexico’s ecology, it would help the United State’s economy, and it would provide a much better lifestyle and better health for the Mexican population. The problem that is faced by the Mexicans is that the water from the Colorado River is not reaching the delta, or the Sea of Cortez, since the 1960’s. This is caused by the damming that took place in the 1930’s. The dams caused the river to change its course and be diverted to the more developing states such as California and Nevada. This in turn does not allow the water to flow south as far as the delta. The lack of water is causing all forms of life, including humans, plants, and animals, to suffer or die. One of the many aspects that would improve if more water reached the delta is the ecology of Mexico. The endangered species as well as the plant life would greatly benefit from it. Many species, including the Colorado Delta Clam, Totoabas, and Vaquitas are becoming close to extinct since they don’t have access to clean water. Many of the fish species are dieing off because of the increase in salinity of the water. This is the result of fresh water not flowing downstream and helping to push the dense salt water out. Also, the amount of sediments has drastically decreased and is causing the plant and animal life to die off. The delta was once a very fertile area.