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This memorandum provides information about the interstate compacts, Supreme Court decrees, and international treaties that govern Colorado’s use of interstate streams. Specifically, it gives a brief summary of the history of each of the compacts and outlines the specific components and requirements of each compact currently in state law. In addition, the memorandum discusses the two memoranda, the two Supreme Court decrees, and the two international treaties that govern rivers in Colorado. Appendix A outlines the technical components of the laws affecting Colorado’s rivers.

Water policy continues to be an important theme in the 75^th General Assembly. Water-related bills from this session focused on water quality, water administration efficiency, and municipal water use. Three measures that are generally passed annually, which allocate funding for species conservation and water projects, were also passed. As water resources become more limited with ongoing drought and shrinking snowpack, water policy is likely to continue to be a main concern for lawmakers.

In Colorado, the state administers programs addressing both the quantity of water available for municipal, agricultural, industrial and recreational uses, as well as the quality of treated water for drinking and wastewater. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the funds and programs related to water quantity, while the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulates the quality of treated water and wastewater.

This memorandum identifies state funding for water supply projects, including the:

• Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund;
• Severance Tax Trust Fund Perpetual Base Fund; 
• Water Supply Reserve Fund; 
• Water Efficiency Grant Program; and 
• Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority Water Revenue Bonds and Small Hydropower Loans

Submitted herewith to the Colorado General Assembly is the final report of the Water Resources Review Committee. This committee was created pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.

The Water Resources Review Committee (WRRC) was created to contribute to and monitor the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources for the general welfare of the state (Section 37-98-102, C.R.S.).  It is also required to review statewide planning for water resources.  The committee is authorized to review and propose legislation to further its purpose.  In conducting its review, the committee is required to consult with experts in the field of water conservation, quality, use, finance, and development. 

Summary Report for the Water Resources Review Committee to the Legislative Council.

During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to water, including funding for water projects, water studies, and other water-related bills.

Water Resources Review Committee Final Report

Final report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Water Resources Review Committee. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.

During the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to addressing Colorado's growing demand for water, including expanding the reuse of reclaimed domestic wastewater; funding water projects; and making other technical changes to certain water-related programs.

On May 14, 2013, Governor Hickenlooper issued an executive order directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to develop the Colorado Water Plan (CWP). According to executive order D 2013-005, the CWP must promote a productive economy that supports vibrant and sustainable cities; viable and productive agriculture; and a robust skiing, recreation, and tourism industry. It must also incorporate an efficient and effective water infrastructure promoting smart land use and a strong environment that includes healthy watersheds, river and streams, and wildlife.

This handbook was created to help members of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee, Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee, the interim Water Resources Review Committee, and other legislators to better understand Colorado's water policies and programs that are likely to be encountered during their tenure.

During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to water, including water demand and conservation, water studies, instream flows, funding for water projects, and other water bills. 

This memorandum describes the programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act that may provide formula or competitive grants to Colorado.

The recently renamed Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee (WRARC) was created to contribute to and monitor the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources for the general welfare of the state (Section 37-98-102, C.R.S.).  In 2022, the committee charge was updated to include Colorado agriculture issues.  The committee is also required to review statewide planning for water resources. 

The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs.  The book is divided into three parts.  Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
 

This memorandum provides information about irrigation districts in Colorado.  Specifically, it discusses the current irrigation districts, the powers and duties of irrigation districts, and how those powers and duties compare to those of special districts.

The instream flow (ISF) program was created by legislation in 1973, which authorized the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to appropriate or acquire water rights of natural streams and lakes to preserve the natural environment without diverting the water.

Several pieces of legislation focused on water in Colorado were passed during the 2024 session. These include measures concerning water projects, regulations for construction activities near wetlands and rivers, water conservation efforts, and improving water quality.

Pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.