"Banking on the Colorado: Valley Relies on Fading River"

"The drought-stricken Colorado River is fueling golf courses and growth across the Coachella Valley."

"Like the rest of the state, the Coachella Valley faces major water cutbacks in response to California's epic drought. But unlike most of the state, the valley has a water source that it's trying to use more of, not less of: the Colorado River.

The desert has long relied on the Colorado for its survival, and that reliance is only growing. In an effort to protect the valley's over-pumped groundwater aquifer, local water managers are working to bring more Colorado River water to golf courses, new developments, housing tracts and other large water users.

But banking on the Colorado is a dangerous long-term plan."

Sammy Roth reports for the Palm Springs Desert Sun June 6, 2015.