Colorado Water Conservation Board

Colorado’s Drought Task Force held its second meeting this morning to review ongoing drought conditions and response efforts across the state. While recent storms were welcomed and Colorado has emerged from record-low snowpack territory for early May, they weren’t enough to offset the deficits in snowpack accumulation this year. Colorado is still experiencing near-record-low snowpack, with river flows expected to remain extremely low into summer. The ongoing drought-related challenges compound and heighten wildfire risk heading into the hotter summer months, as highlighted during an outlook update from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. State agencies shared updates on wildfire risk, municipal and agricultural impacts, and ongoing work to support communities statewide.

The meeting also included report-outs from four ad hoc working groups focused on drought resource consolidation, municipal impacts, agricultural impacts, and wildfire risk—highlighting ongoing cross-agency efforts to improve coordination, share information, and connect Coloradans with drought resources and support as conditions evolve.

>>Re-watch the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtC1SluPUwzJWVEt3wGZlvE7reh2Doas6
>>Learn more and stay up-to-date: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/drought-task-force

And tune in for the next Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meeting on May 19: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/Water-Conditions-Monitoring-Committee

This afternoon, Colorado’s Drought Task Force held its first meeting following the Governor’s activation of Phase 2 of the State’s Drought Response Plan in March.

With snowpack at just 21% of median—the lowest on record—and record-high temperatures, state leaders are taking a proactive, data-driven approach to track conditions and prepare for impacts. This year’s effort brings state agencies together earlier than normal to coordinate, share information, and respond effectively.

Governor Polis kicked off the meeting: “We're taking this winter's record low precipitation and record high temperatures very seriously.” Reps from state agencies then discussed many interrelated impacts, including how this year’s drought is impacting agriculture, water users, wildfire, recreation, wildlife, and local communities. The group will begin consolidating existing state drought resources, and organizing ad hoc working groups focused on wildfire risk, agriculture, and municipal impacts.

Drought will be felt differently from the West Slope to the Eastern Plains. Navigating these conditions is undeniably challenging. However, today’s Task Force meeting offers a window into the support available to Coloradans, underscoring a deep commitment by state agencies to protect our communities and resources through the difficult months ahead.

>>Re-watch the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtC1SluPUwzJWVEt3wGZlvE7reh2Doas6

>>Learn more and stay up-to-date: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/drought-task-force

And tune in for the next Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meeting on April 21: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/Water-Conditions-Monitoring-Committee

At CWCB, protecting Colorado’s water infrastructure and supply is at the core of our work—and Colorado Parks and Wildlife's efforts to prevent invasive species is critical to that mission.

Zebra, quagga and golden mussels can attach themselves to the inside of pipes in massive numbers, forming dense clogs that prevent water from getting to vineyards. That’s a problem wine can’t fix! Coloradoans can Be a Pain in the ANS by cleaning, draining and drying all boating, paddling and fishing gear after each use. http://cpw.info/PainIntheANS

The CWCB just approved $13 million for 48 projects across the state to advance water conservation, wildfire resilience, and water storage.

Demand continues to outpace available funding, highlighting just how critical these projects are for communities statewide.

Read more: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/news-articles/colorado-water-conservation-board-invests-in-critical-water-projects-as-demand-for

Colorado is experiencing record warmth and low snowpack, leading to worsening drought conditions.

Governor Polis has activated the State’s Drought Task Force to help assess impacts and coordinate response across agencies and communities.

Read the press release here: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/news-articles/governor-polis-activates-state-drought-task-force-as-low-snow-and-record-warmth

And swipe to learn more →

The CWCB is proud to welcome new Board Member Alan Ward to represent the Arkansas Basin--as well as the reconfirmation of Board Members Lorelei Cloud and Nathan Coombs for their second terms.

Read more: https://cwcb.colorado.gov/news-articles/colorado-water-conservation-board-welcomes-new-and-reconfirmed-board-members

Attending Colorado Water Congress 2026? Make sure to stop by the CWCB booth to learn about our funding programs and enter our newsletter signup raffle!

One more month to apply!

💧 Scholarship Opportunity for Colorado Students! 💧

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is now accepting applications for a $2,000 one-year scholarship honoring Diane Hoppe, a dedicated leader in Colorado water policy. Open to Colorado high school students and college freshmen interested in western water issues. Deadline: February 27
More info: https://denverfoundation.org/scholarship/diane-hoppe-water-memorial-scholarship-ua/

Tune in for the latest episode of Water Talk!

Ben, Katie, and Erik sit down with Sean Cronin (Executive Director, St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District), Kat Weismiller (Water Supply and Planning Section Chief, CWCB), and Jeff Rodriguez (Water Planning Stakeholder and Data Liaison, CWCB) to learn about the No and Low Regrets Strategy.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/17e7efGrsWF70r9UpF8kLl

💧 Scholarship Opportunity for Colorado Students! 💧

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is now accepting applications for a $2,000 one-year scholarship honoring Diane Hoppe, a dedicated leader in Colorado water policy. Open to Colorado high school students and college freshmen interested in western water issues. Deadline: February 27
More info: https://denverfoundation.org/scholarship/diane-hoppe-water-memorial-scholarship-ua/

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