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:
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.
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.
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).
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.
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:
As of March 15, Lake Powell, a major reservoir that feeds water to the Lower Colorado River Basin, fell below elevation 3525 feet. This is the target elevation identified within the Drought Contingency Plan that provides a buffer to hydropower.
In December 2021, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched their PFAS grant program. PFAS are man-made chemicals with properties that make them useful for many products - the same properties that are difficult to remove from the environment.