The Colorado Water Plan
The Colorado Water Plan (Water Plan) provides a framework for helping Colorado meet its water challenges through collaborative action around water development and water conservation. Learn more when you watch the video, review the executive summary, or read the 2023 Water Plan.
THE PATH TO ACTION
The Colorado Water Conservation Board's (CWCB) update to the Water Plan was a multi-year grassroots effort that included an intensive scoping phase, events in each of Colorado's 64 counties, and a 90 day public comment period. The next decade of implementation will require additional stakeholder engagement to help Colorado meet the challenges ahead. That's why the plan identifies:
- 50 Partner Actions - project level examples of the work CWCB can fund with Water Plan Grants and that stakeholders around the state can support at different levels.
- 50 Agency Actions that CWCB and collaborating agencies agreed to take. The CWCB does not build water projects but it can fund, support and advance them through its actions.
THE ACTION AREAS
The Water Plan includes four actions areas that are interconnect and work together for a stronger state. The action areas are: Vibrant Communities, Robust Agriculture, Thriving Watersheds, and Resilient Planning. These areas loosely relate to cities, farms, streams and people but include so much more.
THE DATA & PROJECTS
The CWCB uses state-of-the-art data and tools to analyze risks across scenarios out to 2050. The CWCB also worked with each basin to develop a Project Database - a list of potential water projects in each major river basin.
"The collective actions we take today across every corner of the state will increase water resilience for Colorado and our downstream neighbors. We hope you will consider your own role in Colorado’s water future and get involved — now is the time for action."
- CWCB Board
2023 Water Plan
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2023 Colorado Water Plan Adopted by CWCB Board
On January 24, 2023, to meet Colorado’s most critical water challenges, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) finalized and adopted the 2023 Colorado Water Plan. First released in 2015, the Water Plan provides a comprehensive framework to guide collaborative action from water partners, agencies, and Coloradans. From securing supplies that provide safe drinking water to improving farm irrigation to rehabilitating streams—the 2023 Water Plan targets specific, key actions to contribute to a stronger, more water-resilient Colorado.
Water Plan Video
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This video provides an overview of Colorado's shared values, the aspirations of the 2023 Colorado Water Plan, and the areas the plan seeks to support.
