Similar to previous years, if workshop evaluations are any indication, the Fourth Annual Water 101 Seminar, held in Telluride on September 25^th, was a resounding success. More than 65 participants attended to hear from a host of talented and diverse water experts on a variety of water-related topics.

Having served 12 years on the Animas-La Plata (ALP) Water Conservancy District Board of Directors, Doris Brennan stepped down from that position this past summer.

The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report.

As many are aware, the Animas-La Plata (A-LP) project, which was authorized in 1968 through the Colorado River Basin Storage Project Act at 191,200 acre-feet (AF) of depletion[1], was reduced to 57,100 AF in 2000 as part as part of the Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act.

After more than 36 years working for state government, 33 of which were with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Randy Seaholm, Chief of the Water Supply Protection Division retired on November 6^th.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released its final WaterSense Single-Family New Home Specification, creating the first national, voluntary specification for water-efficient new homes.

The Long Hollow Reservoir (Reservoir) project took a significant step forward on October 23, 2009, when the Notice to Proceed was issued to GEI Consultants, Inc. to begin the design alternative study for the Reservoir.

The La Plata West Water Authority (LPWWA) is starting to unveil a plan to the public to provide drinking water to the dry western side of La Plata County. At build-out in 20 to 40 years, the system would have 35 million gallons of water a day available for an estimated 8,100 taps. Thus far, a $5.7 million intake structure has been built on Lake Nighthorse.

A conservation district is a policy-making body chartered by the General Assembly of Colorado to protect and develop the water resources within the district’s boundaries. Districts can hold water rights, fund water projects, litigate, and lobby for legislation. The necessary operating revenues for districts come from a mill levy established during the yearly budget cycle.

Why can’t Colorado use every drop of water that falls in the state? The following provides a list of interstate compacts that limit how much Colorado can use from each basin: