Denying a desert river its annual surge of spring run-off is like denying your own body water before, during and after a strenuous workout. Used extensively for irrigation purposes, the Dolores River is the centerpoint of one of our region’s most controversial water issues. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, the McPhee Dam operates by first filling, then distributing. Only if there’s “extra” water left over will the Dolores get her imperative dose of hydration downstream ... which is nearly 170 miles of river. Unsustainable at best, this complication will only get worse as drying trends continue in the Southwest. To find out more information on how you can become involved, visit: www.sanjuancitizens.org/rivers/dolores-river-coalition.php.