The Water Information Program

In an attempt to limit growth and water use along the Eastern Slope, two Front Range men have drafted ballot language to cap the amount of new water local governments can allot for residential uses. Ballot language submitted to the Colorado Legislative Council last week would prohibit cities in nine counties, including Arapahoe, El Paso and Jefferson counties, from increasing residential water use by more than 1 percent a year from 2009 through 2012. "I think water is the best way to control growth on the Front Range, because people understand it,” said Daniel Hayes, a Fort Collins resident and one of the measure’s authors. Hayes said capping growth on the Front Range will make water grabs less likely and ensure that agricultural communities do not suffer from developers’ lack of foresight. Under the constitutional amendment, local governments could not use water designated for agricultural uses without the approval of the Legislature and the governor.

To view the full article, visit the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. 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.