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Colorado is constantly evaluating management of its water resources in response to population and demand growth, droughts and reductions in federal water programs funding. Management and more efficient use of existing supplies is receiving greater attention by both water users and state agencies. Water management issues include: · Interstate Compact Issues · Water Resource Planning Issues · Water Resource Administration Issues Interstate Compact Issues Demands for water by the Lower Basin States, beyond their compact apportionment, pose management challenges throughout the Basin. These demands place an additional burden on an already over- appropriated system. A severe sustained drought could impact Upper Basin uses, and cause curtailment of Upper Basin uses in order to meet compact delivery obligations. In response to these pressures, the State of Colorado through the Colorado Water Conservation Board continues to protect its compact entitlements and avoid costly and devisive litigation. River and reservoir operating policy modifications can be evaluated to minimize local impacts, shortages and reduce interstate compact conflicts. Water Resources Planning Issues A variety of planning issues arise from increased water demands and environmental protection requirements. Cities are buying more agricultural water rights from farmers and from more distant areas. Endangered fish are being studied to determine flow conditions necessary to protect and recover the species. Water development proposals and water rights transfers need to be reviewed to avoid adverse impacts to established water rights and to support loan authorizations for various projects. International conditions could lead to another rush to develop Colorado's energy resources, and an increase in water demands to support such development. In each case state agencies and water users would review water transfers and instream flow proposals, and in collaboration with the interested parties, seek to identify and resolve conflicts. Water Resources Administration Issues The DWR has responsibility for administering the water rights in Colorado's rivers. This is a challenging task made complicated by changing flows and reservoir levels, and increased uses of the state's waters. State water managers are seeking more efficient administration to maximize conservation and prevent waste. Recreation and tourism have become the state's second leading industry in recent years. Water is needed to support fishing, whitewater rafting, and other water-based recreational activities. The water supply available to the different interests can be increased through the use of comprehensive real-time information and prediction tools contained in the Colorado River Decision Support System (CRDSS). CRDSS Purposes · Interstate Compact Analysis · Water Resource Planning · Water Rights Admin. Pi ';~'~:;~:~~,~.-~Zi 3 t:,\ ~ih I]~': ,:'~t7 .".I~I 1. ft' o o Q o 0-, 00