New Agreement Aims to Reward Water Conservation in the Colorado River Basin

Officials from four states, including Colorado, are negotiating with the federal government to create a new agreement aimed at conserving water in the Colorado River Basin. This agreement would give states credit for water conservation efforts, helping protect them from future water cutbacks.

The Colorado River Basin, which supplies water to 40 million people, is under strain due to prolonged drought, climate change, and overuse. Currently, when water is conserved on a farm, it flows downstream and can be used by others. The new negotiations aim to establish a program to track, store, and credit conserved water, benefiting Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Colorado residents have requested a system that recognizes their conservation efforts. Becky Mitchell, Colorado’s representative on the Upper Colorado River Commission, stated that people want credit for the water they save now.

Last year, farmers and ranchers were paid $16 million to reduce their water use through a conservation program. While this saved water, it wasn’t tracked or stored. Critics argue that this water could end up being used downstream, negating the efforts of Upper Basin states.

After years of discussion, the commission is working to finalize a water credit program by September. This program would set criteria for conservation projects, such as who can participate, how the water will be measured, and how credits will be used.

If approved, the commission could start accepting project proposals by October, with the goal of launching conservation projects in 2025. This aligns with a federal funding announcement expected in October.

However, creating a lasting water credit program raises challenges, such as ensuring fairness and figuring out funding. Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, emphasized the need for a balanced approach that doesn’t unfairly impact any one region.

The program also needs to fit with ongoing negotiations among all seven Colorado River states about managing water in the river’s main reservoirs. Credits earned before the end of 2026 will be counted but can’t be used until after the new rules are set.

The Upper Basin states are committed to reducing water use and want to show that they are taking action. Anne Castle, the federal representative on the commission, said that if taxpayer money is being used to reduce demand, it’s crucial that the efforts are meaningful.

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