Water

As a non-regulatory agency, the CGS conducts scientific studies of the state’s aquifer systems and investigates natural, “background” conditions of water quality, quantity, and movement. We are currently producing comprehensive geology and groundwater studies county-by-county tailored to inform the public, planners, and policy-makers on the intricacies of local geology and groundwater resources. CGS hydrogeologists serve as scientific advisors to Colorado’s nine Basin Roundtables under the InterBasin Compact Committee (IBCC). Our award-winning 2003 Colorado Groundwater Atlas provided a comprehensive look at groundwater and its geological, hydrological, and legal context in the state. A fully updated online Atlas, with an initial deployment in January 2020, is an ongoing project that provides up-to-date information on groundwater resources across the state. The CGS also studies the effects of historic mining on water quality.

Colorado Division of Water Resources — The Colorado Division of Water Resources (CDWR) administers water rights, issues water well permits, represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings, monitors streamflow and water use, and more.

Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) — The state’s “most comprehensive water information resource”.

Colorado’s Decision Support Systems — A water management system developed by the CWCB and the CDWR for each of Colorado’s major water basins.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) — Statutory remit includes many water-related issues.

Colorado’s Water Plan — Provides information about Colorado’s water supply planning and suggests policies and actions at all levels to ensure abundant future water supplies.

Colorado Water Quality Control Division — Regulates clean water permits, approves drinking water and wastewater facility design, monitors beaches and fish for contaminants, and more.

Colorado Public Utilities Commission — Issues authority to operate energy and water utilities, establishes industry rate standards, initiates enforcement and compliance activities, and assists consumers with complaints and educational efforts.

Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety — ​​​​​The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety is responsible for mineral and energy development, policy, regulation and planning.

Colorado State University – Colorado Water Center — A collaborative center leading research efforts on “complex and evolving water-related challenges in Colorado.”

InterBasin Compact Committee and Basin Roundtables — The Interbasin Compact Committee was established by the Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act to facilitate conversations among Colorado’s river basin constituencies and to address statewide water issues.

U.S. Forest Service Water, Air, and Soil — U.S. Forest Service Water, Air and Soil research provides the scientific basis and specialized tools to inform natural resource managers and landowners about the likely effects of their decisions on the Nation’s forests and rangelands and their water, air, and soil resources.

U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Directorate — The U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Directorate monitors, assesses, conducts targeted research, and delivers information on a wide range of water resources and conditions including streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use and availability.