The State Engineer has updated the Response Functions based upon the RGDSS Phase 7 model, version 7P101. The Response Function calibration workbooks as well as the application workbooks are available on the Colorado Decision Support System RGDSS website. The State Engineer is providing these Response Functions to Well Users withdrawing groundwater pursuant to plans specified in Rule 6.1 for use in Well Users’ 2026 plans.
(Durango) - Starting June 1, 2025, new rules governing the measurement of surface and groundwater diversions and storage will be in effect for Division 7. The division includes the San Juan and Dolores River basins. The rules do not apply to water users who obtain their water directly from a municipal provider, rural water supplier, or a ditch company, as those entities are required to have measurement where they divert from the stream or ground.
The Southern High Plains Groundwater Study Project Plan Draft is now available for review and open for public comments. All comments should be submitted using the Project Plan Comment Form and must be received by June 15, 2025.
The Board of Examiners will hold a Public Rulemaking Hearing (May 27, 2025) to hear testimony on proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations for Water Well Construction, Pump Installation, Cistern Installation, and Monitoring and Observation Well/Hole Construction. The official notice is published on the Colorado Register.
An updated version of the RGDSS Model, version 7P101, was found to be reliable for determining groundwater use impacts by the Peer Review Team. The model files and supporting documentation are available on the Colorado Decision Support System RGDSS website. Please submit comments on this model to Marie Sullivan at marie.sullivan@state.co.us by May 8th, 2025.
DWR has published a draft of the new proposed measurement rules for Division 4. The purpose of the proposed rules is to provide consistent standards for the measuring of diversions throughout Division 4 which encompasses the Gunnison River basin, San Miguel River basin, lower reaches of the Dolores River basin, and the Little Dolores River basin.
Well Specialist Christina Redman has scheduled time, by appointment only, at Meeker City Hall on March 31st to meet with any new individuals with questions or concerns about their wells in the over-appropriated area of the White River basin.
Learn more about the Over Appropriation of the White River basin Upstream of the Taylor Draw Power Conduit (WDID 4302571) in the recent memo from State Engineer, Jason Ullmann.
DWR is holding a 1-hour online live course with 15 minutes for questions. The session provides an overview of water administration & water rights in Colorado. Please RSVP by 3/10 to join on Tuesday, 3/11/2025 at 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Colorado has officially reached the milestone of retiring more than 10,000 acres of farmland from irrigation in the southern Republican River basin. These efforts are necessary to stay in compliance with the Republican River Compact with Kansas and Nebraska. Read the full press release on DNR's Website.