Water quality

This whooping crane (above) died in New Mexicos Bosque
del Apache National Wildlife Refuge from avian cholera, which
probably bred in stagnant pools of water, despite the best efforts
of refuge managers.
In other refuges, such fragile animal life can be weakened by
waterborne diseases when a species diminishes to the point of
inbreeding, or when competition for food inhibits their welfare
and procreation.
High-quality water supplies are critical to fish and wildlife
on most refuges, especially in western states where the water
problem is exacerbated by water-rights struggles for a dwindling
resource. Of 224 western refuges, some 150 report conflicts with
other water uses, such as agriculture, grazing, and hydropower.
Outside agencies or organizations may control water supplies for
some refuges in these states, and irrigation companies charge
them annual fees to deliver water. Refuges may even pay costly
pumping fees. The delivery of water in California has escalated
dramatically due to drought, putting that states wetland
wildlife in peril.
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