For Colorado's rivers, communities, and local economies . . .
Just Add Water.
Our Impact
Since 2001, Colorado Water Trust has restored...
23.9
Billion Gallons of Water
73,242
Acre-feet
612
Miles of Colorado's Rivers
Help us ensure Colorado has enough water for our rivers and our people
The mission of Colorado Water Trust is to restore water to Colorado's rivers.
We are a home-grown, statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since 2001, we’ve restored 20.82 billion gallons of water to 600 miles of rivers and streams across the state. We work collaboratively with our partners so that our projects benefit both the people we work with and our rivers.
Featured Projects
Upper Yampa River – Stagecoach Reservoir
Reservoir releases near Steamboat Springs, Colorado benefit multiple water users and the environment during periods of low flow in the Yampa River.
Little Cimarron River – McKinley Ditch
A groundbreaking split-season water sharing agreement between agriculture and the environment.
Colorado River – 15-Mile Reach
This project restores water to nearly 100 miles of the Colorado River, including the important 15-Mile Reach, home to threatened and endangered fish species, near Grand Junction.
Latest News & Stories
What's Happening
FOLLOW @cowatertrust
Every spring, Colorado Water Trust staff begin outreach to our project partners to analyze streamflow forecasts and determine which rivers will most likely be in need of water. This year, we are pleased to say that things are looking pretty good! That said, we know that conditions can change at any time and a good spring forecast does not necessarily mean healthy flows during the dry summer and fall season. However, forecasts help us plan ahead and to raise funds to purchase or lease water if our rivers are in need. With that, please read our full streamflow forecast for 2024 on our blog. #coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
A New Beginning, by Diane Falconer, won first place in the 2024 Water Trust Writing Contest. Read it on our blog!
About the author: “I am a retired school librarian. My husband Dave and I retired from Michigan to Littleton, then moved to charming Salida two years ago. We enjoyed Michigan’s countless lakes, but love the beautiful Arkansas River now. Fishing, floating, and FIBARK! I volunteer with the Colorado Environmental Film Festival and know how vital our rivers are to our ecosystems and our economy. I’m concerned for the welfare of our new immigrants and support efforts for more affordable housing here in Salida, so my story encompassed all those issues. In my spare time I enjoy photography, skiing, pickleball, and travel, and watching our grandchildren grow.”
#coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
We are excited to announce our Water Trust Writing Contest winners! We had over 60 fabulous entries and had a wonderful time reading each piece. 📝
First = A New Beginning by Diane Falconer
Second = Canto Porque El Río Suena by Angélica Breña
Third = Renewal by Samuel Lewis
And our youth winners are:
-A Little Creek by Olivia Hall (6th grade)
-River Trip by Sadie McCraken (5th grade)
-Colorado Rivers by Lucy McGlothan (3rd grade)
Honorable mention goes to:
-60% Water by Laura Belanger
-A Yampa River Song by Maryanne Evans
-The South Platte and Me by Travis Jimenez
-First Date by Wendy Oliver
-Where We Must Go by Shelli Rottschafer
-Water’s Memory by George Wallace
And youth honorable mention goes to:
-Living in the Colorado River by Pax Gregory (3rd grade)
-Rafting Part 1 & 2 by Emily Thompson (5th grade)
Throughout May, we’ll be sharing the winning entries, as well as honorable mentions, on our blog.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our writing contest for sharing your writing and caring for Colorado’s rivers - you all are an inspiration! And thank you to our wonderful judges for helping make the contest possible.
#coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
Isn’t earth (and water) amazing? 💧 Happy Earth Day everyone! 🌎 #coloradowatertrust #justaddwater #earthday
