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.
In collaboration with DWR, the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has released a report on the regulation of geothermal resources in Colorado. The study includes considerations and recommendations to clarify and streamline the regulatory process in the state. The full report and executive summary can be found under the Geothermal heading on the following ECMC Webpage.
The Division of Water Resources filed proposed Surface and Groundwater Measurement Rules in the Water Division 7 Water Court on December 5, 2024. Division 7 is located in southwest Colorado and includes the San Juan, Animas, La Plata, Mancos, Pine, Piedra, McElmo Creek, parts of the Dolores River basins, and other adjoining tributaries exiting Colorado. The proposed rules and other documents related to the rulemaking effort can be found on the Division’s website.
The Division of Water Resources has issued a Request for Proposals to: 1) update a 2002 study on the hydrogeology and groundwater resources of the Southern High Plains Designated Basin in order to provide scenario analyses for groundwater use; and 2) provide community facilitation to identify and establish groundwater resource goals for residents of the Basin. The objective is to determine recommended actions to achieve the established community goal(s).
On October 28, 2024 the Upper Colorado River Commission approved $7 million in BIL / IIJA federal funding to pay for diversion measurement structures in Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7 (additional details in CWCB's November 15, 2024 press release). More information about the process of turning these funds into on-the-ground measurement structures will be coming soon.
DWR is proposing technical changes to certain well permitting statutes and changing the timing of decennial abandonment in west slope basins. Check out the fact sheet for more details.