The Division of Water Resources (DWR), also known as the Office of the State Engineer, administers water rights, issues water well permits, represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings, monitors streamflow and water use, approves construction and repair of dams and performs dam safety inspections, issues licenses for well drillers and assures the safe and proper construction of water wells, and maintains numerous databases of Colorado water information.
About Us - Who we are
Watch our short DWR Video to learn more about the mission and work of DWR and our longer video for water user perspectives.
Mission
The Division of Water Resources will administer the waters of the State to maximize lawful beneficial use, ensure that dams and water wells are properly constructed and safe, and provide information about water resources to the public.
Organizational Chart
View the Organizational Chart for DWR
Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan outlines DWR's Goals, Principles and Statutory Responsibilities
Job Opportunities, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) believes that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace is one where all employees and community partners, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, feel valued and respected. Learn more about DNR's Wildly Important Goal (WiG) for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
When a DWR job opportunity is announced, the complete job description and details for applying are found on the State of Colorado Jobs Website.
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Leadership Team
State Engineer / Director
Kevin Rein was appointed to the position of State Engineer and Director of the Division of Water Resources by Governor Hickenlooper on July 13, 2017. Kevin has worked at the Division of Water Resources since 1998 as a Team Leader and Chief of Water Supply, and most recently as the Deputy State Engineer for intrastate water supply and water court matters. Kevin directs the performance of the division’s responsibilities, which include administration of water rights in Colorado, issuing well permits, performing administrative approvals for water use, administering programs that ensure the safety of dams and the safe construction of water wells, and providing information and education resources to the public. Prior to coming to the Division of Water Resources, Kevin worked in utility engineering, business automation consulting, and water resources consulting. Kevin is a native of Colorado and a graduate of Colorado State University.
Deputy Director
As the Deputy Director, Tracy assists the State Engineer in resolving disputes, ensuring compliance with the state's numerous interstate compacts, managing special projects such as rulemaking, advises on water administration issues, and generally oversees the personnel and fiscal operations of the agency.
Deputy State Engineer
As Deputy State Engineer, Jason supports the scientists, technicians and engineers that form the Dam Safety, Hydrography, Well Metering, and Water Information Teams. The Water Information Team is responsible for managing the data and tools that the Division of Water Resources provides to the public through the HydroBase, GIS, Records, and Modeling groups. Jason also serves as the State Engineer’s liaison to the Governor’s Office of Information Technology, and is secretary to the Board of Examiners for Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors. Jason has worked for the Division of Water Resources since 2010, previously as the Assistant Division Engineer in Division 4 (Gunnison and San Miguel Basins). Prior to coming to the Division of Water Resources, Jason served as City Engineer for the City of Montrose, and before that, worked for consulting firms designing raw water infrastructure. Jason is a native of Colorado and a graduate of Colorado State University.
Assistant State Engineer
Sarah Brucker, Assistant State Engineer, oversees the Intrastate Water Supply Development and Litigation Section and the Hydrogeology Section. This position directs and supervises the review and engineering evaluation of substitute water supply plans, water court applications, well permit applications, subdivision water supply plans,and other water supply-related activities; as well as critical hydrogeological investigation activities in the Hydrogeology Section. This position also provides general support to the State Engineer in water administration matters around the state and provides a point of contact for the Colorado General Assembly on legislative matters related to water administration. Sarah has worked for the Division of Water Resources since 2004, as a member of the Water Supply team. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering.
Finance/Administrative Services Manager
Brianna has been the budget manager since 2019. This position oversees DWR's financial services processes including budget development and implementation, accounting, and purchasing. Brianna has been with DNR since 2011.