In a concerted effort to enhance water sustainability in the American West, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation have partnered with the Upper Colorado River Commission to deploy a $50 million investment aimed at improving water infrastructure in the Upper Colorado River Basin. This initiative, supported by Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focuses on advancing water use accuracy and protecting the river system for future generations.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Scott Cameron emphasized the impact of this investment: “By improving the accuracy of water use measurement, we’re laying the foundation for better decision-making that ensures a sustainable Colorado River System for generations to come.”
The Upper Division States have implemented various projects under this initiative. These include installing 10 Eddy Covariance towers to gather data on ecosystem responses to drought and land management practices, deploying 31 new streamgages for enhanced water measurement accuracy, and establishing Airborne Snow Observatory programs in Colorado and Wyoming.
Plans over the next two years involve adding an additional eddy covariance tower, 32 streamgages, five weather stations, approximately 2,000 diversion measurements, and initiating expanded evaporation studies.
Upper Colorado River Commission Executive Director Chuck Cullom stated: “These investments provide the best-available science and data we need to continue to improve water use accountability and planning.” He highlighted that accurate data allows states to fulfill their responsibilities under existing agreements while enhancing drought preparedness.
The funding supports broader efforts by Interior to ensure water security in the basin. The Colorado River supplies water to over 40 million people, supports millions of acres of farmland, numerous Tribal Nations, and extends into Mexico.
Reclamation Acting Commissioner David Palumbo remarked on federal-state partnerships: “This momentum reflects the strength of federal-state partnerships in tackling the West’s most urgent water challenges.”
The Department continues collaborating with basin states and Tribal Nations on Post-2026 Operating Guidelines as current agreements near expiration. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement is anticipated by year-end.
Further details about Post-2026 operations are available on the project website.
