Pitkin County officials are contemplating a special tax that would ensure a water supply, regardless of future water-right conflicts. At least a partial answer on whether they should impose such a tax is expected on June 3, when the Board of County Commissioners will be briefed on the results of a survey of county residents regarding water and other issues.

As the West dries up, water managers, politicians and environmental groups alike are searching for an option — any option — to create water.Recently, desalination has been the popular answer. Even the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which has said the technology is no silver bullet, is considering desalting despite its many challenges. Last month, Gov.

Utah is taking the first step toward building the 139-mile Lake Powell pipeline to bring more water to rapidly growing communities in the state’s southwestern corner. The Division of Water Resources said Tuesday it had filed for a federal permit to generate hydroelectric power from the pipeline.

Editor's note: This is a well-written, timely, and informative article related to American Indian Water Rights--specifically the Navajo Nation, to include, but is not limited to the Interstate Compact Agreement and the Indian Central Arizona Project. It is worthwhile reading, but due to its' length (8 pages), it is too lengthly too extensive to summarize here.

Water bills are high on the agenda for Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, and Reps. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, and Mary Hodge, D-Brighton. “Number one for me is to be helpful with regards to the Republican River compact,” said Brophy, who wants to drain Bonny Reservoir to save about 5,000 acre-feet of water lost to evaporation each year and apply it to Colorado’s compact obligations.

The agreement reached by Colorado and the six other states in the Colorado River basin Dec. 13 marks a huge step forward - the largest advance in water policy in more than 80 years. It will give the entire region more flexibility to cope with rising population, dwindling water supplies and the vagaries of the weather.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and officials from seven Western states signed a sweeping agreement Thursday to conserve and share scare Colorado River water, ending a divisive battle among the thirsty rivals.

Facing the worst drought in a century and the prospect that climate change could yield long-term changes on the Colorado River, the lifeline for several Western states, federal officials have reached a new pact with the states on how to allocate water if the river runs short.

Water Tables is an event hosted by Colorado State University ibraries to raise funds for its Water Resources Archive. The event offers a unique, firsthand experience of Colorado's water resources--past and present--in an intimate dinner setting. For more information or to make your reservation, call (970) 491-1833.