During the November 18 Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Meeting, the second work plan for continuing the state’s Demand Management Feasibility Investigation was approved.
The concept of a Demand Management Program is temporary, voluntary, and compensated reductions in the consumptive use of water in the Colorado River Basin.
The initial work plan, completed in July 2020, included over a year’s worth of discussions and brainstorming ideas among eight workgroups - ranging from agricultural impacts to environmental considerations to funding opportunities. All workgroup meetings were open to the public and provided opportunities for public comment.
Using results from the first work plan, next steps in the state’s investigation include considering whether a program would be achievable, worthwhile, and advisable for Coloradans and the state as a whole. This will be accomplished by designing potential frameworks for a program and learning from existing projects while also considering new opportunities for on-the-ground learning. The CWCB will continue to ensure that this process is open and collaborative. As the new work plan is ongoing over the next year, workshops and updates will be shared through the Demand Management webpage.
"The Colorado Water Conservation Board remains committed to considering the feasibility of a potential Demand Management Program," said Director Mitchell. "The recently adopted Step II Work Plan is the next stage in Colorado's investigation to determine whether Demand Management may be worthwhile and advisable in protecting the state and its water users against the impacts of a potential curtailment on the Colorado River."
For more background on the concept of Demand Management, see Frequently Asked Questions.