The Water Information Program

The Statewide Water Supply Initiative, a study by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, lists five general ways the state could import more water from the Western Slope in Phase II. SWSI’s Phase I concluded there will be more pressure on agricultural transfers if new sources of transmountain water are not employed. Protection of flows for recreation and wildlife now plays a part in every water decision. The state’s focus shifted in 2005 from top-down decisions to grass-roots input when basin roundtables and the Interbasin Compact Committee were formed. So far, no answers to the state’s water dilemma have surfaced, as roundtables spent most of the first two years sorting out issues within each of the nine basins. The roundtables recently have begun meeting with other basins in search of common ground, however. Meanwhile, the CWCB has launched a $500,000 study to determine how much of Colorado’s future water needs can be met with Western Slope water. State Sen. Jim Isgar is planning legislation that would help determine how future shortages would be shared in Colorado.

To view the full article, visit the Pueblo Chieftain. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.