The Water Information Program is a public information program sponsored by the water districts, organizations and agencies in the San Juan and Dolores watersheds of Southwestern Colorado. The purpose of the WIP is to provide information to the public and community on water topics and water related issues.

History

In August of 1994, the Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD), in cooperation with several water agencies and entities in southwestern Colorado, pooled their resources and created the Water Information Program (WIP). Each program partner has its own set of priorities and issues and the WIP provides an unbiased forum for communicating information. Participating partners contribute to the WIP based on their unique resources ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. In turn, the SWCD contributes a dollar-for-dollar match. In addition, the SWCD provides the equipment and office space for the WIP.

Water education is one of eight comprehensive aspects of the Colorado Water Plan to ensure a sustainable water supply for Colorado’s growing population by 2050 in a way that respects and preserves the state’s diverse values. Water education, outreach, and public engagement are critical to addressing Colorado’s significant water challenges. The Water Information Program is unique in Colorado bringing seminars, workshops and leadership programs to the public related to all aspects of our watershed and water conservation throughout the SW Basin.

The Water Information Program is a public information program sponsored by a variety of organizations that include agricultural, electric/energy, environmental, and water sectors in the nine-county Dolores/San Juan River Basin of Southwestern Colorado. The purpose of the WIP is to explain, promote, and publish objective and balanced information and educational workshops and festivals related to water in Southwestern Colorado.

The WIP operates with each participating entity having a seat on the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee meets 3-4 times per year and provides Program oversight and direction. Each member has an opportunity to share information about their organization, upcoming projects or challenges, partnering opportunities, networking and possible stories for the WIP newsletter, and has a page on the WIP website. The meetings are a great way for members to know what is going on with other organizations and in the community.

Programs and Services

Some of the programs and services that the WIP provides for the nine-county Dolores/San Juan River Basin include:

• Annual Children’s Water Festival: Held annually on the second Wednesday in May, the Children’s Water Festival brings together nearly 800 fifth-grade students from across Southwestern Colorado for a full day of hands-on learning about the importance of water in our lives. With the help of almost 60 dedicated volunteers, students rotate through interactive presentations and activities led by natural resource professionals, educators, and community partners.From exploring the water cycle and watersheds to learning about conservation, water quality, and aquatic life, the festival provides fun, memorable experiences that connect classroom lessons to the real world. The goal is to inspire a new generation to better understand and care for this vital resource, while giving teachers access to engaging tools they can bring back to their classrooms.
• Water Law in a Nutshell Course: Presented by Aaron Clay, Attorney at Law and former 26-year Water Referee for the Colorado Water Court (Division 4), this popular seminar provides a clear and comprehensive overview of Colorado water law. Participants gain practical insights into the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment, and enforcement of water rights and ditch rights. The course also explores special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water,  interstate compacts, and other critical topics that shape water management in Colorado. Continuing Education Credits are available for both attorneys and realtors.The Water Information Program offers several course formats to meet different needs:  Annual Full-Day In-Person Course – A deep dive into all aspects of Colorado water law;  4-Hour Online Course – A convenient, condensed version covering the essentials; and a 2-Hour Realtor Course (Online) – Designed for realtors who have previously completed either the full-day or 4-hour course, providing additional focus and updates relevant to real estate professionals.
• Forests-to-Faucets Teacher Training Workshop: Each year, the Water Information Program (WIP) partners with the San Juan Mountain Association and Mountain Studies Institute to host a two-day, hands-on exploration of our local watersheds. This workshop is designed to help teachers inspire students to understand where water really comes from—because it doesn’t just come from the faucet. The curriculum is based on the children’s book My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains and incorporates outdoor learning, field trips, and place-based education that aligns with Colorado State Standards. The location rotates annually between Durango, Dolores, and Pagosa Springs, giving participants the chance to experience different parts of our region. This training is not only a valuable resource for classroom instruction, but also a great opportunity to connect with other educators, discover local field trip options, and gather fresh ideas for bringing watershed education to life.
• Southwestern Water Conservation District's Annual Water Seminar - For 40 years in southwestern Colorado, water managers, irrigators, municipal representatives, tribal members, environmental advocates, recreation enthusiasts, and interested citizens have come together each year for the SWCD’s Southwest Water Seminar. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with other individuals who are passionate about water resources and hear expert speakers from around the state and region. For more information click here: https://www.swwcd.org/southwest-water-seminar;
• Website: This is a very successful website that received approximately 90,000 hits per year; in addition to current events and news, there is a plethora of useful water-related information;
• Monthly eNewsletters: The Water Information Program, together with the Southwestern Water Conservation District, produces the Nine Basins Bulletin every other month for more than 1,400 subscribers. Each issue highlights the work of our partners across the basin, shares local and statewide water news, and features upcoming educational events and opportunities. See past newsletters here;
• Brochures: On a wide variety of water-related topics (e.g., rainwater harvesting, water conservation, etc.);
• Lending Library: Now with more than 200 books and movies available for the public and water professionals to checkout. Come by the office to check out the library. 
• Water Display:Tabletop and floor water-related displays available for use at a variety of events. Used at numerous events throughout the Basin and year (e.g., SWCD Annual Seminar, local libraries, etc.); and