News Articles
Commissioner Statement on Sustaining Colorado River Basin System
The Bureau of Reclamation released its Colorado River Basin August 2022 24-Month Study, which sets annual operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, both of which have reached critically low levels. Below is a statement from Colorado River Commissioner Becky Mitchell:
Upper Colorado River Commission Responds to Bureau of Reclamation Call for Water Conservation with 5 Point Plan
In coordination with the other Upper Division States of New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, Colorado is taking action in response to the call from the Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton to the Colorado River Basin states to conserve a total of 2-4 million acre-feet to protect critical infrastructure at Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Colorado Water Plan Draft Released for Public Comment Period
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) – the state’s agency that works to conserve, develop, protect and manage Colorado's water for present and future generations – released a draft of the 2023 Colorado Water Plan for a 90-day public comment period.
Governor Polis Signs Multiple Bills Funding Critical Water Conservation Programs
Following a busy legislative session for the Colorado General Assembly, which ended May 11, Governor Polis signed several bills directing funding to numerous programs administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB).
Senate Confirms Colorado Water Conservation Board Appointments
The Colorado Senate officially confirmed Paul Bruchez to serve as the Colorado Water Conservation Board (Board) Colorado River Basin representative during a hearing today. Additionally, Directors Jessica Brody and Jackie Brown were confirmed for reappointments to the Board for their second terms.
Commissioner Mitchell Statement on US Dept of Interior Actions to Reduce Risk to Lake Powell Elevations and Critical Infrastructure
April 12, 2022
The U.S. Department of the Interior has proposed a reduction in the annual release volume from Lake Powell from 7.48 to 7.0 million acre-feet for water year 2022. This is based on the Department's determination that additional actions are needed to protect dam operations and hydropower production, and to address public health and safety concerns.
Below is a statement from Colorado River Commissioner Becky Mitchell: