The article explores how using less water to grow crops (deficit irrigation) can help save water for other purposes in Colorado. Research shows that making this method work involves more than just money. By studying Colorado's irrigation laws and practices, the researchers found challenges to making deficit irrigation successful. Colorado has shifted water from farms to cities and wants to free up more water for the future by using deficit irrigation. The study suggests practical ways to make deficit irrigation work in Colorado and similar regions with irrigated farms.