Water keeps Colorado running

86%

of Colorado’s water is used for agriculture. But up to 33% of irrigated farms could dry up.

Water controls our food supply.

Farmers need suitable water sources to irrigate their farms. But growing cities are looking for water, too. By 2050, Colorado could lose 500,000-700,00 acres of currently irrigated farmland to meet the demands of municipal growth.

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18

other states, and Mexico, share rivers that begin in Colorado.

Interstate compacts determine how much water Coloradans can use.

People and governments have disputed who should control and use water that crosses state lines. Interstate compacts, or agreements between the states, seek to peacefully allocate river water.

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80%

of Coloradans drink water that flows out of national forest land – and forest fires threaten that water.

Forest, fire and water are inextricably linked.

Ash, nutrients and sediment pollute water after fires. Wildfires are a reality for those living in the West, but the impact on the landscape lingers long after the smoke is gone.

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1973

When Colorado’s legislature created the Instream Flow Program

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is the only entity legally able to hold instream flow water rights.

Since then more than 9,700 miles of stream have been preserved through the acquisition and appropriation of instream flow water rights. A new market-based approach to acquire water rights from willing owners could help keep more water flowing in Colorado’s rivers.

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40%

The variance of traditional ground-based forecasting methods for snowmelt

Melting snow from the mountains drives Colorado’s water supply.

A new space-based monitoring system developed by NASA researchers could improve the accuracy of snowpack and runoff forecasts to within 2 percent, which would make a world of difference for water managers looking to tighten operations in water-strapped systems.

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We ensure a better future for Colorado through water education.

UPCOMING EVENT

September 6 Webinar: From Planning to Implementation, a look at Steamboat Springs’ new stream management plan

On September 6th, join Water Education Colorado and partners for an hour-long webinar focused on stream management planning. We’ll hear about the City of Steamboat Springs’ new plan on the Yampa and upcoming opportunities for implementation. Learn more and register here.

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