Colorado Potato Growers Face Declining Groundwater Supplies

Producers warn higher groundwater pumping fees could threaten their operations.

SAN LUIS VALLEY, Colo. (RFD-TV) — Colorado potato growers are facing new pressure as groundwater supplies continue to decline in the San Luis Valley.

The major potato-producing region lost nearly 72,000 acre-feet of groundwater over the past year, raising concerns for growers who depend on irrigation.

As supplies decline, Colorado is proposing raising groundwater pumping fees from $150 to as much as $500 per acre-foot. Growers warn the higher costs could threaten their operations.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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