The Colorado Water Plan (2014)

On May 14, 2013, Governor Hickenlooper issued an executive order directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to develop the Colorado Water Plan (CWP). According to executive order D 2013-005, the CWP must promote a productive economy that supports vibrant and sustainable cities; viable and productive agriculture; and a robust skiing, recreation, and tourism industry. It must also incorporate an efficient and effective water infrastructure promoting smart land use and a strong environment that includes healthy watersheds, river and streams, and wildlife. A draft of the CWP is due to the Governor by December 10, 2014, and the final CWP must be completed by December 10, 2015. This issue brief describes the process involved in the drafting of the CWP and how citizens of Colorado can become involved in that process.