DWR_4535774

• Board or Commission: Colorado Ground Water Commission
• Document Type - Board and Commission Meetings: Meeting Document
• Document Date: 8/15/2025
• Subject: Meeting Minutes

Ground Water Commission Meeting Minutes Page 10
August 14 Ft 15, 2025
Mr. Tietmeyer responded that there is one USGS well nearby in Wyoming that has
been used to monitor the aquifer water level, and that well has shown a decline in
the water table over the last 45+ years.
Commissioner Diaz responded that he hopes Mr. Tietmeyer keeps up the continued
conservation work and education in his District. Commissioner Diaz also mentioned
the Commission needs to figure out ways to educate water users away from the use it
or lose it mindset. There are alternative ways for well owners to conserve water use,
and not be penalized for it in situations like changes of water rights.
Commissioner Pautler commented that he likes the thought process behind
conservation measures that involve everyone giving up a small amount of production,
and not being penalized for it later.
Mr. Grimes commented that he had put together a memo and presentation discussing
how a well owner could conserve water while also protecting their water rights. That
presentation was put on hold due to a pending case related to these concepts. Mr.
Grimes thought that after some discussion, it may be possible to put the presentation
on a future meeting agenda.
Commissioner Pautler asked if that memo and presentation could be used by the
Districts to help with public education.
Mr. Grimes thought it may be possible to provide the memo to the Districts, since it
does not direct the District's in any way, and could be beneficial to them. However,
this would need to be discussed first internally by DWR.
Ms. Payton Liming, in place of Ms. Deb Daniel, reporting for the Republican River
Water Conservation District, reported that the District has been busy meeting with
individuals to discuss conservation programs in the South Fork Focus Zone, and basin
as a whole. RRWCD has been working with CWCB and DWR to streamline applications
for contracts seeking funds related to the 2025 water projects bill. The Fee Evaluation
Committee recently met to discuss options related to water use fee assessment and is
preparing for public meetings. The District is planning to hold at least six public
meetings in the basin to gain public input and discuss proposed changes to fees.
The Pipeline Technical Advisory Committee is working on the project to expand the
Republican River Compact Compliance Pipeline. The Committee has been working on
engineering requirements and specifications for the expansion project. The 2026
District budget is also being worked on in preparation for the November budget
hearing and meeting.
Ms. Liming closed her remarks by mentioning there are several other irons in the fire
at the RRWCD, but this report was intended to be short and informative.
Commissioner Pautler added that at the next RRWCD meeting, there are several items