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.
“Water is the lifeblood of our state, and we are taking strong actions to protect Colorado’s water for generations to come. As climate change places increased strain on Colorado’s precious water resources, we are taking a forward-thinking and innovative approach to ensure that all Colorado’s communities, farmers, and ranchers can thrive now and in the future,” said Governor Jared Polis.
This updated plan is the state’s second edition and builds on a legacy of integrated statewide planning for water in Colorado. The first Water Plan, released in 2015, highlighted the importance of finding collaborative solutions to our water challenges. The updated plan continues to focus on collaboration between the state and the water community on-the-ground. The 2023 plan incorporates state-of-the-art tools and data that takes into account climate change, population growth, scenario planning, drought resilience and funding opportunities for the water community to take action. It also focuses on the importance of embracing equity, diversity and inclusion as we partner to be more resilient.
The 2023 Water Plan, which will be finalized in January, focuses on four major areas that are interconnected and work together: Vibrant Communities, Robust Agriculture, Thriving Watersheds, and Resilient Planning.
“The 2023 Colorado Water Plan will provide a framework for both short-term and long-term water planning throughout our state. It was developed with the support and buy-in from every stakeholder group, from ranchers and agricultural producers to the environmental and recreation communities, and everyone in between. It balances the needs of every Coloradan while encouraging projects and actions that work towards multiple benefits,” said CWCB Director Becky Mitchell. “Now the Colorado Water Conservation Board is calling on our members of the public to provide their feedback and ideas over the next couple months in order to ensure that the 2023 Water Plan represents the state as a whole.”
COMMENT. COMMIT. SHARE.
CWCB announced three different ways for Coloradans to get involved with the Colorado Water Plan during the public comment period from June 30 until September 30:
- Comment on the Water Plan draft by identifying requested changes or improvements to a specific chapter, page, or action.
- Commit to taking action by taking the Water ‘22 Pledge or getting involved with local water issues.
- Share your water success story, such as something you have done to help make Colorado more drought resilient by taking action in your city, on your farm or in your watershed.
Read the 2023 Colorado Water Plan draft (El Plan Para Agua de Colorado)