Integrate Water Management Systems

This page identifies concerns and opportunities by all stakeholders that relate to integration of consumptive and env/rec water management needs in the basin.

The concerns compiled below are: 1) those that were commonly brought up in interviews, either by a group of stakeholders (i.e. all ag) or by many stakeholders within a specific geographic area, or 2) data that members of the IWMP stakeholder team found notable. They do not include all concerns that were mentioned, but rather reflect themes that we heard.

• Water shortages today and in the future are a concern of all users. There is an awareness that something needs to be done to protect the basin' water users, recreation and environment from negative changes.

• A majority of ag users do not see their water use in the context of the entire basin. When asked “How do you see your water uses or interests relating to the Yampa basin as a whole?” More than a third said that their use did not have an impact on the wider basin or that they prioritize their own ranch and livelihood, a quarter reflected on the role of return flows providing water to the stream in late season, and ten percent discussed the economic contribution that agriculture plays in the basin.

• MI users do not see their use as a big part of basin water management either, but do believe they are in a position to lead by example on efficiency and conservation practices, that their supplies are important to help meet env and rec needs, and that their uses should take priority over others in times of shortage.

The following opportunities were identified by either stakeholders themselves, or by a member of the IWMP team that conducted stakeholder outreach. This is not an exhaustive list, and there is a space for your ideas on the Opportunities Summary page.

16 Promote holistic understanding of river uses and impacts

Educate consumptive water users about how use may impact and/or benefit downstream users, env/rec needs and communities.

17 Facilitate discussions among water users to address specific issues

Promote discussions on management and/or use of water to satisfy multiple needs. Examples could include: 1) engaging M&I users on how efficiency or water management practices could benefit E&R users; 2) future use of retiring coal plant water rights.

18 Explore additional storage needs

Explore whether there is a clear purpose and set of users that new storage could serve, despite the sense that shortages are not having widespread impacts. Consider additional factors such as how future changes in hydrology affect the potential need for new storage, and a possible need to interview tributary water users.