Jacqueline Burggraaf
University of Colorado Boulder
“During a school project last year, I worked with The Acequia Institute and learned from Dr. Devon Peña about derecho de sed, or “right of the thirsty,” as he put it. He explained that in some cultures it is a sin to deprive others of water, whether they be humans, animals, plants or land. This deeply resonated with me and aligns with my beliefs of protecting water and addressing water access and equity. Throughout the project, I learned more about Colorado water policy, the problematic history of prior appropriation and its negative and unfair effects on historically marginalized communities such as those in the San Luis Valley. As a graduate student focusing on sustainable food systems, it has become clear to me that water is not discussed enough. I realize that it will be impossible to grow any sort of crops, let alone healthy or sustainable ones without adequate water, especially in the arid west.
I pay attention to important events in Colorado such as the work of the Colorado Water Conservation Board as it works on the new Colorado Water Plan and the work of the Water Equity Task Force.”