As California farms use less Colorado River water, worries grow over shrinking Salton Sea

Imperial Valley farmers agreed to leave many hay fields unwatered for seven weeks this year in exchange for cash payments from a federally funded program designed to alleviate the water shortage on the Colorado River .

But some people in the Imperial Valley say they're concerned it's also accelerating the decline of the Salton Sea and worsening environmental problems along its retreating shores.

With less water running off fields, growing stretches of dry lakebed are being exposed to desert winds that kick up lung-damaging dust.

Imperial Valley farmers say they don't expect the water-saving program to have a significant effect on the Salton Sea .

The federal government will provide $589 million to support conservation in the Imperial Valley through 2026 .

Federal Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said these drought agreements are key to the stability of the water supply.

Farmers say they would prefer to expand another conservation program that pays those who invest in improving water efficiency on their fields.

“I'm a big believer in true efficiency-based conservation,” said Scott Emanuelli , a fourth -generation farmer.

He said investing in more efficient irrigation systems and other water-saving improvements requires substantial investments and time.