Editor at Fresh Water News, an independent news initiative of Water Education Colorado, overseeing water news coverage across Colorado and the American West.
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Articles by Jerd Smith
Pipeline to share water between Parker, Castle Rock and northeastern Colorado farms OK’d in water court
A $1.1 billion million reservoir and pipeline project designed to provide water to Parker, Castle Rock and a key farm region in northeastern Colorado has cleared a major hurdle in water court. The Platte Valley Water Partnership, formally launched in 2021, includes the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District in Sterling, as well as the two cities. This Fresh Water News story is a collaboration between The Colorado Sun and Water Education Colorado. It also appears at wateredco.org.
Pipeline to share water between Parker, Castle Rock and northeastern Colorado farms OK’d in water court
A $1.1 billion reservoir and pipeline project designed to provide water to Parker, Castle Rock and a key farm region in northeastern Colorado has cleared a major hurdle in water court. The Platte Valley Water Partnership, formally launched in 2021, includes the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District in Sterling, as well as the two cities.
Aurora tests the waters of Colorado’s new wetland protection rules in Park County
This Fresh Water News story is a collaboration between The Colorado Sun and Water Education Colorado. It also appears at wateredco.org. Aurora’s proposed Wild Horse Reservoir project in Park County is drawing close scrutiny this fall as it undergoes review under a new state law designed to protect critical wetlands and streams no longer shielded by the federal Clean Water Act.
Aurora tests the waters of Colorado’s new wetland protection rules in Park County
Aurora’s proposed Wild Horse Reservoir project in Park County is drawing close scrutiny this fall as it undergoes review under a new state law designed to protect critical wetlands and streams no longer shielded by the federal Clean Water Act. This Fresh Water News story is a collaboration between The Colorado Sun and Water Education Colorado. It also appears at wateredco.org.
Aurora tests the waters of Colorado’s new wetland protection rules in Park County
Florida homes face growing flood risk. Why are some protections off-limits? When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens the coast, residents jump into action installing storm shutters to keep their homes and businesses safe …
Aurora tests the waters of Colorado’s new wetland protection rules
Aurora’s proposed Wild Horse Reservoir project, southwest of Denver in Park County, is drawing close scrutiny this fall as it undergoes review under a new state law designed to protect critical wetlands and streams no longer shielded by the federal Clean Water Act. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Wild Horse represents the first major project to be reviewed under Colorado’s new hard-fought wetland regulations approved in December.
Farmers and researchers are learning how to keep fertilizer out of pristine Colorado rivers
Colorado ranchers who own some of the state’s most scenic landscapes are joining new research efforts to better understand emerging water quality issues in the Yampa and Gunnison basins, among others. Pressured by rising stream temperatures and shrinking flows due to climate change, rivers and lakes across the state are starting to show signs of distress, including algae blooms, some of which are toxic.
Farmers and researchers are learning how to keep fertilizer out of pristine Colorado rivers
Farmers and researchers are learning how to keep fertilizer out of pristine Colorado rivers
Farmers and researchers are learning how to keep fertilizer out of pristine Colorado rivers
Colorado ranchers who own some of the state’s most scenic landscapes are joining new research efforts to better understand emerging water quality issues in the Yampa and Gunnison basins, among others. Pressured by rising stream temperatures and shrinking flows due to climate change, rivers and lakes across the state are starting to show signs of distress, including algae blooms, some of which are toxic.
Denver Water backs wildfire and water protection ballot initiative
Denver Water backs wildfire and water protection ballot initiative
Denver Water backs wildfire and water protection ballot initiative
Denver Water is throwing its weight behind a proposed ballot initiative that would ask voters to redirect a portion of state sales tax revenue on sleeping bags, hiking boots and skis to help fight wildfires, reduce risk of additional blazes, and restore mountain watersheds already damaged by fire. This Fresh Water News story is a collaboration between The Colorado Sun and Water Education Colorado. It also appears at wateredco.org.
Denver Water backs wildfire and water protection ballot initiative
Denver Water is throwing its weight behind and spreading the word about a proposed ballot initiative that would ask voters to redirect a portion of state sales tax revenue on sleeping bags, hiking boots and skis to help fight wildfires, reduce risk of additional blazes, and restore mountain watersheds already damaged by fire.
New report: Data center fees, special trust, sod grass tax on list of options for water funding in Colorado
New report: Data center fees, special trust, sod grass tax on list of options for water funding in Colorado
Data center fees, special trust, sod tax could help raise $20B to protect water supply in Colorado
Data center fees, special trust, sod tax could help raise $20B to protect water supply in Colorado
New report: Data center fees, special trust, sod grass tax on list of options for water funding in Colorado
Colorado could impose new fees on data centers and renewable energy companies, tax sod grass, or fund a special trust to raise the $20 billion it needs over the next 30 years to ensure it has enough water, as climate change saps streams and shrinks snowpack. That’s according to a new report issued by a special task force created by Colorado lawmakers last year. Most of the measures the report examined would require action by lawmakers and potentially voters.
New report: Data center fees, special trust, sod grass tax on list of options for water funding in Colorado
Colorado could impose new fees on data centers and renewable energy companies, tax sod grass, or fund a special trust to raise the $20 billion it needs over the next 30 years to ensure it has enough water, as climate change saps streams and shrinks snowpack. That’s according to a new report issued by a special task force created by Colorado lawmakers last year. Most of the measures the report examined would require action by lawmakers and potentially voters.
$30M will be spent to clear the water at scenic Grand Lake
Northern Water will pay $30 million over the next 30 years to solve long-standing clarity and water quality problems at one of Colorado’s most treasured natural wonders, Grand Lake. Under the terms of the agreement, the giant water provider will spend $1 million annually to test and implement new solutions to the problem, including weed control, aeration and sediment removal.
Scenic Grand Lake wins $30M to improve long-standing clarity issues
Northern Water will pay $30 million over the next 30 years to solve long-standing clarity and water quality problems at one of Colorado’s most treasured natural wonders, Grand Lake. Under the terms of the agreement, the giant water provider will spend $1 million annually to test and implement new solutions to the problem, including weed control, aeration and sediment removal.
Colorado mountain towns must tighten taps, but water shortages could have been much worse
This Fresh Water News story is a collaboration between The Colorado Sun and Water Education Colorado. It also appears at wateredco.org. Historic water shortages are drying out the scenic mountains that anchor Colorado’s tourist economy, prompting the state to issue emergency orders earlier this month allowing water to be shifted to the towns and ranches most likely to run dry.
Colorado’s glittering, lush resort towns are facing severe water shortages this summer
Historic water shortages are drying out the scenic mountains that lie at the heart of Colorado’s tourist economy, prompting the state to issue emergency orders earlier this month allowing water to be shifted to the towns and ranches most likely to run dry.
New homes and businesses in Denver will see major surge in water connection fees
Denver Water is raising the fees it charges to add new apartments, homes and businesses to its system by as much as 32% this year, a measure the giant agency says is necessary to cover the cost of expanded reservoirs, water supplies and pipelines. The utility, which serves 1.5 million people in metro Denver, hasn’t raised those rates since 2013, according to its rate manager, Fletcher Davis.
New homes and businesses in Denver to see major surge in water connection fees
Denver Water is raising the fees it charges to add new apartments, homes and businesses to its system by as much as 32% this year, a measure the giant agency says is necessary to cover the cost of expanded reservoirs, water supplies and pipelines. The utility, which serves 1.5 million people in metro Denver, hasn’t raised those rates since 2013, according to its rate manager, Fletcher Davis.
Colorado’s race to cut water use off to a slow start
Denver Water customers have yet to embrace a strict water diet this year, cutting water use just 5% this month as the outdoor watering season begins. The utility, which serves 1.5 million customers, has asked residents and businesses to slash water use by 20% this summer to combat extreme drought. At the same time, reservoirs, unable to refill after melting snows evaporated early due to a surprising March heatwave, are dropping.
Colorado nonprofit offers to buy water for fish, a deal that could help farms weather record drought
As the drought emergency continues, Colorado’s parched streams and struggling fish may see some relief, not just from snow earlier this month, but from a nonprofit that specializes in brokering deals that can result in more water for the environment. The Colorado Water Trust, founded in 2001, has negotiated agreements that have put more than 98,000 acre-feet of water back into streams.
Colorado nonprofit offers to buy water for fish, a deal that could help farms weather record drought
As the drought emergency continues, Colorado’s parched streams and struggling fish may see some relief, not just from snow earlier this month, but from a nonprofit that specializes in brokering deals that can result in more water for the environment. The Colorado Water Trust, founded in 2001, has negotiated agreements that have put more than 98,000 acre-feet of water back into streams.
Crazy drought quest? Nonprofit offering to buy water for fish
As the drought emergency continues, Colorado’s parched streams and struggling fish may see some relief, not just from this week’s snow, but from a nonprofit that specializes in brokering deals that can result in more water for the environment. The Colorado Water Trust, founded in 2001, has negotiated agreements that have put more than 98,000 acre-feet of water back into streams.
Drought-stressed Colorado communities getting $40M infusion in state water grants
The Colorado Water Conservation Board is funneling $40 million to dozens of water projects statewide as communities grapple with a drought emergency that is making saving water more important than ever before. Among the 136 projects receiving state support this fiscal year, which ends June 30, is a $2.3 million grant that will pay nearly half the cost to install new, automated irrigation control systems across 105 Denver Public School system sites.
$40 Million in state water grants flow to drought-stressed Colorado communities
The Colorado Water Conservation Board is funneling $40 million to dozens of water projects statewide as communities grapple with a drought emergency that is making saving water more important than ever before. Among the 136 projects receiving state support this fiscal year, which ends June 30, is a $2.3 million grant that will pay nearly half the cost to install new, automated irrigation control systems across 105 Denver Public School system sites.
Water is scarce right now, but its price in parts of Colorado, surprisingly, has dropped
Despite the scarcity of water this year, water prices in Colorado have dropped in major markets, such as the northern Front Range, as housing starts flatline and infertility and aging slow population growth, according to a new report.
Even if Coloradans slash their water use, their bills will likely rise during drought
Colorado homeowners and businesses are already planning for a brutally dry summer. They should also be planning for an expensive one, as Denver and other cities prepare to impose drought fees to encourage conservation and to buffer their budgets against millions of dollars in lost water sales as customers cut back. This Fresh Water News story is a collaboration between The Colorado Sun and Water Education Colorado. It also appears at wateredco.org.
Even if Coloradans slash water use, their bills will likely rise due to new drought fees
Colorado homeowners and businesses are already planning for a brutally dry summer. They should also be planning for an expensive one, as Denver and other cities prepare to impose drought fees to encourage conservation and to buffer their budgets against millions of dollars in lost water sales as customers cut back. Denver Water, which announced Stage 1 drought restrictions last week, said its preliminary estimates suggest $30 million to $70 million may be lost as a result of restrictions.
One year after landmark $100M settlement, work to protect the Poudre River is slow to start
More than a year after a landmark $100 million environmental settlement designed to improve the Poudre River was OK’d, little progress has been made to put the agreement into action. The settlement, signed in February 2025, came after Save The Poudre sued to stop the $2.7 billion Northern Integrated Supply Project. The deal was designed to allow NISP to move forward while paying to improve the Poudre and protect it from any harm the project might cause.
One year after landmark $100M Poudre River settlement, work faces delays
More than a year after a landmark $100 million environmental settlement designed to improve the Poudre River was OK’d, little progress has been made to put the agreement into action. The settlement, signed last February, came after Save The Poudre sued to stop the $2.7 billion Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). The deal was crafted to allow NISP to move forward while paying to improve the Poudre and protect it from any harm the project could cause.
With no end in sight to dry days and high wildfire risk, Colorado eyes a task force
Colorado has begun planning for a multiagency drought task force to help cope with what most experts fear will be a summer seriously low on water and high on wildfire risk. The task force will include agencies focused on water, agriculture and emergency management, among others, according to Emily Adrid, water planning and climate impact specialist at the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Her comments came at a meeting of the state’s Water Monitoring Committee this week.
With no end in sight to dry days and high wildfire risk, Colorado readies a task force
Colorado will launch a multiagency task force in the coming weeks to help cope with what most experts fear will be a summer seriously low on water and high on wildfire risk. The task force will include agencies focused on water, agriculture and emergency management, among others, according to Emily Adrid, water planning and climate impact specialist at the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Her comments came at a meeting of the state’s Water Monitoring Committee this week.
With no end in sight to dry days and high wildfire risk, Colorado eyes multiagency task force
Colorado has started preliminary planning for a multiagency drought task force to help cope with what most experts fear will be a summer seriously low on water and high on wildfire risk. The task force would include agencies focused on water, agriculture and emergency management, among others, according to Emily Adrid, water planning and climate impact specialist at the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Her comments came at a meeting of the state’s Water Monitoring Committee this week.
Aurora selects final site for its largest reservoir yet in Park County. Will it fill up?
As Colorado faces a major snow drought, Aurora said it has selected a site for a large new reservoir in Park County. The Wild Horse Reservoir would be located southwest of Spinney Mountain Reservoir in Park County near the town of Hartsel.
Report: Colorado needs additional $50M annually for water projects, and severance taxes aren’t the answer
Colorado faces a $50 million annual cash shortage for water projects and will need to consider other options such as new taxes to fill the gap, a state task force said in a new report this week. The shortage marks the difference between existing funding for water projects, generated through severance taxes and other sources, and the cost of projects the state has identified as necessary to make sure Colorado has enough water in coming years.
As major drought looms, Colorado's reservoirs are 85% full Original
Colorado’s water storage reservoirs are about 85% full as the state faces a drought year that could be the worst in nearly a quarter century. State officials are comparing this year with 2002, a year that would deliver one of the worst droughts on record. Whether this year will beat that mark isn’t clear yet. Having water in storage is how Western states help offset the impacts of crippling droughts.
Arkansas Valley pipeline has about 3 years of cash left to keep building, despite presidential veto
Water officials and Colorado’s congressional representatives are scrambling to find an affordable path forward for communities in the Lower Arkansas Valley who had hoped the federal government would help them lower their costs for a critical clean water pipeline. President Donald Trump vetoed the bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act on New Year’s Eve, and despite Colorado’s efforts, Congress on Jan. 8 declined to override the veto.
Arkansas Valley pipeline has about 3 years of cash left to keep building, despite presidential veto
Water officials and Colorado’s congressional representatives are scrambling to find an affordable path forward for communities in the Lower Arkansas Valley who had hoped the federal government would help them lower their costs for a critical clean water pipeline. President Donald Trump vetoed the bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act on New Year’s Eve, and despite Colorado’s efforts, Congress on Jan. 8 declined to override the veto.
Arkansas Valley pipeline has about three years of cash left to keep building, despite presidential veto
Water officials and Colorado’s congressional reps are scrambling to find an affordable path forward for communities in the Lower Arkansas Valley who had hoped the federal government would help them lower their costs for a critical clean water pipeline. President Trump vetoed the bipartisan Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act on New Year’s Eve, and despite Colorado’s efforts, Congress failed to override the veto last week. Construction on the $1.39 billion pipeline began in 2023.
A private water company is leading a $150 million rush for northern Colorado groundwater
A private development company is investing $150 million in an ambitious plan to harvest groundwater beneath sprawling northern Colorado ranches to serve fast-growing towns along the Interstate 25 corridor. FrontRange H2O, backed by a Texas oil and real estate company, is behind the venture.
A private water company is leading a $150 million rush for Northern Colorado groundwater
A private development company is investing $150 million in an ambitious plan to harvest groundwater beneath sprawling northern Colorado ranches to serve fast-growing towns along the Interstate 25 corridor. FrontRange H2O, backed by a Texas oil and real estate company, is behind the venture.
A private water company is leading a $150 million rush for Northern Colorado groundwater
A private development company is investing $150 million in an ambitious plan to harvest groundwater lying beneath sprawling northern Colorado ranches to serve fast-growing towns along the Interstate 25 corridor. FrontRange H2O, backed by a Texas oil and real estate company, is behind the venture.
A private water company is leading a $150 million rush for Northern Colorado groundwater
A private development company is investing $150 million in an ambitious plan to harvest groundwater lying beneath sprawling northern Colorado ranches to serve fast-growing towns along the Interstate 25 corridor. FrontRange H2O, backed by a Texas oil and real estate company, is behind the venture.
Critical Arkansas Valley water pipeline gets federal bipartisan boost with new law
Jerd Smith writes about water and drought in Colorado and the American West. She approaches water stories from different angles, covering law and policy, regulation, agriculture, climate and the environment, as well as in main street stories... More by Jerd Smith
Critical Arkansas Valley water pipeline gets federal bipartisan boost, awaits Trump’s OK
A long-awaited measure that will help offset the cost of building the $1.69 billion Arkansas Valley Conduit in southeastern Colorado has been approved by the U.S. House and Senate and is headed to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature, according to a statement from Sen. Michael Bennet’s office.
Colorado water regulators approve historic stream, wetlands protections
Colorado water regulators late Wednesday approved an extensive set of rules designed to protect thousands of miles of streams and vast wetlands, stepping up as one of the first states in the nation to do so. “It’s a big moment,” said Kathy Chandler-Henry during the last day of hearings. She is a member of the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission from Eagle County.
First-of-a-kind rules to protect Colorado streams, wetlands face final hearing as tensions mount Original
Draft rules designed to implement a landmark bipartisan law to protect thousands of miles of streams and vast wetlands have triggered an angry dispute among environmental groups, state health officials and lawmakers just days before a Dec. 8 state hearing to finalize them. The draft rules cover dozens of issues related to how the state will regulate construction, homebuilding and farming activities that disturb waters and wetlands.
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