Agriculture under pressure: The Imperial Valley braces for a future with less water

Jan. 27, 2023 5 AM PT

California’s desert farming powerhouse, the Imperial Valley, is bracing for a future with less Colorado River water. Throughout the Southwest, pressures are mounting for agriculture to shrink its water use further and faster. Politicians and managers of water districts in other states have called for California agencies including the Imperial Irrigation District to make larger cuts. See all our coverage at “Colorado River in Crisis.”

Climate & Environment Video

Albert Brave Tiger Lee

Albert Brave Tiger Lee is a Southern California native, son of Korean immigrants, a father and a staff videographer at the Los Angeles Times. His work spans various mediums of visual storytelling and has been recognized for various disciplines including a national Emmy Award for News and Documentary, an RFK Journalism Award, Pictures of the Year International honors, the National Press Photographers Assn.’s Best of Photojournalism Award and Columbia University’s Dart Award.

Ian James

Ian James is a reporter who focuses on water and climate change in California and the West. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2021, he was an environment reporter at the Arizona Republic and the Desert Sun. He previously worked for the Associated Press as a correspondent in the Caribbean and as bureau chief in Venezuela. Follow him on Bluesky @ianjames.bsky.social and on X @ByIanJames.