Analysis & Technical Update to the Colorado Water Plan

Statewide Water Planning for Colorado's Future

Building a shared vision for Colorado's water future

Colorado's water future is being shaped by rapid population growth, increasing wildfire risk, prolonged drought, climate variability, and growing competition for limited water supplies. Understanding these challenges—and the opportunities to address them—requires a shared foundation of data, analysis, and planning.

The Analysis & Technical Update to the Water Plan evaluates how Colorado's water resources have changed, examines the trends influencing the state's water balance, and explores a range of possible future conditions. By providing a consistent, science-based assessment of water supply and demand, the Technical Update helps water users, decision-makers, and communities develop a common understanding of the risks and opportunities facing Colorado and informs future water planning and investment.

Continuing a legacy of better planning

Colorado's statewide water planning framework was established in response to the severe drought of the early 2000s, recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to understanding current and future water supplies, demands, and risks. Since then, each Technical Update has built upon the last, incorporating new science, improved modeling tools, stakeholder input, and evolving water management priorities.

Over time, the Technical Update has expanded to better evaluate environmental and recreational water needs, agricultural shortages and vulnerabilities, and the impacts of changing hydrology across the state. As the Colorado Decision Support System (CDSS) has matured, its advanced modeling capabilities have enabled increasingly detailed analyses of water supply risks across all major water use sectors.

Each iteration strengthens Colorado's ability to make informed decisions today while preparing for an increasingly uncertain water future.