Colorado River District

10/07/2026

“We talk about water, but we work with people.”

That idea was at the heart of a panel moderated by Colorado River District Chief of Strategy Amy Moyer at the Colorado Watershed Assembly’s Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference this week.

“The Long Game: Relationships as Infrastructure” brought together Jackie Fisher of Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, Lindsey Marlow with Friends of the Yampa, and Lauren Ris of the Colorado Water Conservation Board for a conversation about the trust, relationships, and collaboration behind successful water work across Colorado.

Thanks to the Colorado Watershed Assembly for bringing together water leaders and voices from across the state for these important conversations.

09/30/2026

On September 18, the Colorado River District hosted the 2026 Annual Water Seminar: The River Ahead, at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, bringing together more than 400 people for meaningful conversations about the issues shaping the Colorado River Basin.

Drought was a prominent theme throughout the day, affecting everything from decisions made by local water users and agricultural producers to the ongoing interstate negotiations over the future of the Colorado River.

If you weren’t able to attend, or would like to revisit any of the conversations, the full recording is now available on our YouTube channel. [Link in the comments]

09/16/2026

Happening this Friday: The 2026 Annual Water Seminar: The River Ahead.

Join the Colorado River District at CMU in Grand Junction for our 2026 Annual Water Seminar as leaders from across the West tackle drought, Colorado River negotiations, agriculture, community resilience, and the future of Western Colorado water.

Friday, Sept. 18 | Colorado Mesa University.

Early registration is closed, but day-of registration will be available and opens at 8am on Friday. More info and virtual attendance registration available here: https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/annual-water-seminar-2026

We hope to see you there!

Program Agenda: https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/aws-agenda-2026/

08/28/2026

Since launching in 2021, the Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership (CFP) has helped communities across Western Colorado turn over 100 local water priorities into real, completed projects.

From agricultural infrastructure and conservation to healthy rivers and watershed improvements, CFP funding is making an impact across the West Slope.

Watch the video to see how the River District connects directly with water users, and explore the program and completed projects at ColoradoRiverDistrict.org.

Learn More about CFP: https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/community-funding-partnership/

Video - A River's Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P3ZM5BJzhQ

08/07/2026

The Colorado River Basin needs a durable, seven-state agreement that provides certainty for communities, agriculture, and water users across the West.

The federal government’s final environmental impact statement for Lakes Powell and Mead, published last week, leaves major legal and operational questions unresolved and continues a cycle of renegotiation and crisis management.

The Colorado River District will keep advocating for West Slope communities and urging state and federal leaders to remain at the table and reach consensus.

Meaningful compromise and a basinwide agreement remain the only path toward long-term certainty for the Colorado River.

Read our full statement here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/colorado-river-district-statement-regarding-final-qsgye

Last Friday, federal officials released the final environmental impact statement outlining a new 10-year framework for managing Lakes Powell and Mead. The decisions made under this framework will impact the lives of millions across the Basin, yet it fails to provide the certainty needed by West Slop

07/22/2026

When drought drives critically low flows, the Colorado River District takes action.

Working with partners, the River District has coordinated strategic releases from Elkhead Reservoir to support Yampa River water users, river health, and endangered fish habitat.

Read the story in the Steamboat Pilot: https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/water-releases-for-yampa-river-begin-out-of-elkhead-reservoir-to-combat-low-flows/

Read the full press release on our website here: https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/press-release-strategic-reservoir-releases-begin-to-protect-yampa-river-water-users-and-river-flows/

The Colorado River District, in partnership with the Colorado Water Trust and the Yampa River Fund, is beginning to release water from Elkhead Reservoir in Moffat County to mitigate the impacts of extreme drought conditions...

07/16/2026

Registration is now open for the Colorado River District’s 2026 Annual Water Seminar: The River Ahead

Join us September 18 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction for timely conversations with water leaders, experts and practitioners from across Colorado and the Basin.

Together, we’ll examine the challenges facing the Colorado River Basin, highlight practical solutions and discuss the actions needed to prepare for the river ahead.

Register today!
https://www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/annual-water-seminar-2026/

07/14/2026

Western Colorado water news moves fast. Stay current.

Subscribe to the Colorado River District’s News Drop for a clear, curated roundup of the headlines, policy updates and river issues shaping the West Slope and beyond.

Get the news that matters, delivered directly to your inbox.

Subscribe for free today. Link in comments.

06/26/2026

Thank you, Rep. Jeff Hurd, for helping secure the release of $40 million in federal funding for the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation effort.

This is a major step forward for a historic, West Slope-led project to permanently protect critical flows that are vital to the prosperity of rural communities and farmers and ranchers.

We’re grateful for your leadership and commitment to keeping the Colorado River flowing strong.