Welcome to SWCD
The Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) was created by the Colorado General Assembly to protect, conserve, use and develop the water resources of the Southwestern basin for the welfare of the District, and to safeguard for Colorado all waters of the basin to which the state is entitled. It is one of four Conservation Districts in the state. Read More About Us Here!
Registration Open for Annual Water Seminar, April 7!
For 35 years in southwestern Colorado, water managers, irrigators, municipal representatives, tribal members, environmental advocates, recreation enthusiasts, and interested citizens have come together each year for the Annual Water Seminar. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with other individuals who are passionate about water resources, and hear expert speakers from around the state and region.
The 2017 speaker lineup and other details are coming your way soon. In the meantime, reserve your seat! Register online or call 970-247-1302.
Board Adopts Resolutions on Aquatic Nuisance Species, State Water Funding
Read the two policy resolutions adopted by the SWCD board at their February 7 meeting: 2017-02 Reliable State Water Project Funding and 2017-03 Aquatic Nuisance Species Mitigation Funding.
21st Annual Children’s Water Festival A Success!
More than 750 fifth graders attended this year’s Children’s Water Festival, an educational day sponsored by SWCD. The event–made possible by more than 100 volunteers–was held at Ft. Lewis College on May 4. Click here to see photos and read more!
Nearly 200 Attended 2016 Annual Water Seminar
More than 190 people attended SWCD’s Annual Water Seminar on Friday, April 1 in Durango. This year’s theme was “75 Years: Using the Lessons Learned.” To review the presentations and program, click here.
What is the Colorado Water Plan?
The final water plan is now available for download! In May 2013, Governor Hickenlooper issued an Executive Order directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to develop Colorado’s Water Plan. Based on eight years of dialogue among local water leaders around the state (members of the Basin Roundtables), the plan is designed to address statewide concerns about growing demands for our water supply, while still upholding Colorado values. Click here to download a quick fact sheet on the plan and next steps. Or watch a short video. Southwest Colorado has a somewhat unique water situation, with the presence of two sovereign nations (the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe) and Colorado River interstate compact deliveries to New Mexico. In cooperation with the Southwest Basins Roundtable, SWCD produced a document of guiding principles to use in development of the state water plan: Southwest Colorado Statement of Importance. For more information about the water plan and the Southwest Basin Roundtable, click here.
Grant Program
Southwestern Water Conservation District actively supports water-related projects and programs throughout the District’s nine counties. Ongoing support is given to organizations whose work greatly impacts our water resources. For information on our programs and funding opportunities, please click here.
SWCD Board Meetings
All meetings are open to the public. Special Regular Board of Director Meetings are in February, April, June, August, October, and December. In addition to board meetings, the directors meet via teleconference every other week during the Colorado legislative session (mid January – mid May) to review water-related legislation. For the meeting schedule, click here. To sign up to receive upcoming meeting agendas via email, please call 970-247-1302 or email [email protected]