The Water Information Program

Environmentalists and outdoor recreation interests on Wednesday endorsed a package of bills designed to make it easier to leave water in Colorado's streams and rivers. Citing the report, "Healthy Rivers, Healthy Economy" funded by the group Environmental Defense, proponents of the bills said a slight increase in water flows in the state would generate another $4.4 million in recreational spending and create 340 more jobs in the rafting and fishing business. But keeping water in its rivers has long been a challenge for Colorado. More than a century of state water law has put a higher priority on using the water for farms, utilities and homes than for kayaks, fish and scenic beauty. That has started to change in the past decade. Environmentalists, the outfitting industry and local communities have put a higher premium on "in-stream flows" in waterways that are sometimes depleted by the demands of agriculture and other uses. "Offering ranchers, farmers and cities more freedom to leave their water in local rivers and streams benefits our quality of life, environment and the Colorado economy," said Dan Grossman, regional director for Environmental Defense.

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