Diversion Measurement Installation Program
Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Beginning in 2026, funds will be available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes and weirs, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them.
The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation.
Colorado received $7 million from the Bureau of Reclamation through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) for implementing a Diversion Measurement Program through 2029 across the West Slope. The purpose of the funding is to implement the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. This funding will help with installation of measurement devices such as a flume or weir for eligible water users; it does not cover headgate or diversion structure construction or repair. The funding comes at a time when DWR is implementing rulemaking for measurement in the Colorado River Basin (Questions about rulemaking? Reach out to the Colorado Division of Water Resources).
Eligible Entities
Who’s Eligible?
Water users in Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7 within the Upper Colorado River Basin (excluding the North Platte River Basin) with a missing or faulty measurement device may apply for a new measurement device to be installed at their point of diversion, free of charge.
To apply for a measurement device, you must own or use an active water right at your point of diversion. You also need a legal right to access the location where the structure will be installed, and your current diversion structure (like a headgate) must be in working condition and actively used to put water to beneficial use.
Who’s not eligible?
Any water user outside of Colorado’s geographic Upper Colorado River Basin is not eligible to apply. Colorado state agencies and federal agencies are not eligible to apply.
Process
The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by CWCB and SGM, who was hired to coordinate closely with interested water users from application to installation. The program will also coordinate with DWR and rulemaking processes on the West Slope.
Interested water users should submit either a Statement of Interest (below) or formal application. CWCB and SGM will review all submissions and follow-up with additional questions.
Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them. Structures will be installed by 2029. The structure will be compliant with any relevant DWR rules and the local water commissioner will be given the opportunity to verify the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Diversion Measurement Installation Program?
The Diversion Measurement Installation Program provides funding for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes and weirs, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7 at no cost to the water user. - What is a diversion measurement structure?
A diversion measurement structure is a device installed at or near a point where water is diverted from a river, stream, or ditch. Its purpose is to accurately measure the volume or flow rate of the water being taken. Common examples include flumes and weirs. - What is the purpose of this program?
The program will increase accurate measurement of diversions. Colorado received $7 million in federal funding for diversion measurement structures as part of implementation of the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. - Who is administering this program?
The program is administered by the CWCB and consultant SGM in coordination with DWR. - What geographic area is covered?
The program covers streamflow diversions within the Colorado River Basin in Divisions 4 (Gunnison River Basin), 5 (Colorado River Basin), 6 (Yampa and White River Basins), and 7 (San Juan and Dolores River Basins). - Is this program a result of new regulations or federal funding?
The Diversion Measurement Installation Program is a result of federal funding that was awarded to the Upper Division States to implement the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. This funding happens to come at a time when Colorado is implementing measurement rules across the West Slope. - How will the funding be split between the four divisions?
There is an initial earmark of 25% of the funding for each of the four West Slope divisions. This will be reevaluated as necessary as the project progresses. - Why are these structures important for the state and the basin?
These diversion measurements are vital in order to manage water within Colorado and the entire Upper Colorado River Basin as a whole. This program may also assist water users comply with DWR Measurement Rules being implemented across Colorado’s West Slope at no cost to the water user.
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Colorado water users who own or use an active water right at a point of diversion within Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7 within the Upper Colorado River Basin with a missing or faulty measurement device may apply for a new diversion measurement device. The water user also needs a legal right to access the location where the structure will be installed. - What types of diversions are eligible?
Direct flow diversions associated with an active water right and a working diversion structure, like a headgate, are eligible for a diversion measurement structure through this program. Diversions for storage (i.e. to a pond or reservoir) will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with DWR. - How can I apply for a measurement structure?
To apply for a measurement structure, you must complete and submit the application form found on this website. You may also download and complete the application form in PDF format and email the application to DNR_diversionmeasurement@state.co.us. If the program is not currently accepting applications from your Division, please complete and submit the Statement of Interest form found on the website and we will keep you updated on the Program’s timeline. If you have issues with the application, please contact DNR_diversionmeasurement@state.co.us. - What information will I need to provide?
You will need to provide information such as the location of your diversion(s), the number of measurement structures you are applying for, your name and contact information, pictures of your device, and other related information. - What happens if my application is accepted?
Once an application has been accepted, it will be reviewed for environmental concerns and an ownership agreement between the CWCB and the water user will be signed stating that the water user will maintain the equipment and provide any diversion data to the state through 2029. The measurement structure will then be installed by a contractor to DWR specifications. Upon installation, the structure will become the property of the water user.
- What is the cost to me, as a water user?
There is no cost to the water user. This Program covers the costs associated with the design of a measurement structure, the structure itself, and installation of the structure to DWR specifications. - What is the benefit to me, as a water user?
As a water user, you will receive a free diversion measurement structure as they are becoming mandatory across the West Slope. - What does the "free structure" include?
The free structure includes the flume or weir used for measuring a diversion. This Program does not include the installation of headgates or other diversion structures. Telemetry and/or recording devices will be installed at the discretion of DWR staff in accordance with DWR measurement rules for that particular Division. - Is there a limit on how many I can request?
There is no limit to the number of diversion structures a water user can request. However each diversion structure will be treated as a separate application subject to the application review process. - Can this funding be combined with another funding source?
No, due to the nature of federal funding, this Program cannot be combined with other sources such as CWCB grants or Conservation District grants. Water users may use this funding source for a measurement structure and another source for other equipment such as headgates, but those sources cannot be combined into one project. Matching funds are not required.
- What does the installation process look like? Who handles it, and how will it impact my operations?
A licensed subcontractor will perform the installation of the measurement device in consultation with SGM, the CWCB, and DWR. SGM will work with the water user to perform the installation during a time that is not disruptive to the water user. - Can I install the structure myself?
No. Due to the nature of federal funding, the installer must meet several insurance and other requirements, which necessitate a contractor to perform the installation. - What types of structures are available?
The specific type of structure (e.g. flume or weir) will be chosen and sized by SGM in accordance with DWR measurement rules applicable in that Division. - How long will the installation process take?
The installation of the measurement structure should be able to be completed in a single day. For larger structures the time estimate may increase. - Who is responsible for the maintenance of the structure after it is installed?
The water user with whom the CWCB has a signed ownership agreement is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the structure through at least 2029 (the duration of the funding). The water user is also responsible for reporting any diversion measurement data to the State through at least 2029 in accordance with DWR measurement rules in that Division. - What am I responsible for in the long run?
After December 31, 2029, the owner of the measurement structure should maintain and upkeep the measurement structure to comply with Colorado Diversion Measurement Rules.
- Will the data from the measurement structure be reported to the state?
To comply with the terms of the federal award, the data from each measurement structure will be reported to the state on a regular, and at least annual, basis. - How will this program affect my water rights?
This Program will not affect any user’s water rights. - Do I need to hold a specific type of water right?
The applicant must own or use an active water right at a point of diversion within Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7 within the Upper Colorado River Basin with a missing or faulty measurement device in order to be eligible for the Program. - Whom should I contact if I have a question about the program?
Send all questions related to the Program to DNR_diversionmeasurement@state.co.us. - Who can answer questions about the grant application?
Send all questions related to the Application or Statement of Interest forms to DNR_diversionmeasurement@state.co.us.