County Provides Comments to Colorado River Drought Task Force

Mesa County Commissioners approved a letter at their regular administrative hearing on Nov. 7 to provide comments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force. This input will contribute to the task force's proposed strategies and recommendations for 2024, which will ultimately be presented to the Colorado General Assembly for consideration. 

The task force's mission is to propose new state laws enabling the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to work more effectively with local water districts, water users, environmental groups, Native American tribes, and local governments. Their collaboration will focus on creating initiatives to mitigate drought in the Colorado River Basin and uphold multi-state agreements concerning the river and its tributaries. These initiatives will involve projects to reduce water demand and encourage water conservation through voluntary programs that compensate participants. The task force is required to present its findings to the Water Resources and Agricultural Review Committee by Dec. 15, 2023, as mandated by Senate Bill 23-295 (4)(a).

The letter highlights the importance of protecting Colorado Water Rights:

“First and foremost, we believe preserving Colorado's water rights is essential for the state's ongoing vitality, supporting agriculture, robust ecosystems, recreational opportunities, and the daily needs of municipalities. These rights provide the foundation for the outdoor recreation industry, an important economic driver for Colorado's economy, by ensuring that rivers flow, lakes remain pristine, and ski slopes stay well-covered. Moreover, Colorado's municipalities rely on these water rights to provide essential services, delivering clean and reliable water to homes and businesses. By safeguarding these water rights, Colorado secures a future where agriculture thrives, ecosystems flourish, recreational opportunities abound, and communities continue to prosper."