Colorado launches voluntary Colorado River water program

Colorado has a new voluntary program intended to conserve water in the Colorado River system, while farmers have expressed concern about what the effort could mean for agriculture.

A voluntary conservation effort

The program is described as voluntary, meaning farmers are not being required to participate by the announcement summarized here. Its purpose is to conserve Colorado River water, a resource used by farms and other communities.

The program’s creation marks a state-level step toward reducing water use in the river system. The announcement does not establish the program’s start date, participation rules, payment terms or water-saving target.

Farmers raise concerns

Farmers have responded cautiously. Their concerns center on how a conservation program could affect agricultural water use and farm operations. The announcement does not identify individual farmers or provide a tally of supporters and opponents.

Agriculture is an important part of the discussion because farms depend on reliable water supplies. Any voluntary conservation effort involving agricultural water will be watched by farmers as they weigh its effects on production and operations.

What comes next

The next steps will be shaped by the program’s rules and by whether farmers choose to take part. Details about eligibility, enrollment, monitoring and the treatment of conserved water will help show how the program would operate in practice.

The Colorado River program also raises a broader question for the state: how to conserve water while addressing the needs of farms and other water users. Further announcements from the state or participating institutions will determine how the voluntary effort moves forward.

Read the Kiowa County Press report.