Colorado Water Conservation Board

Diversion Measurement Installation Program: Western Slope

Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Funds are available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes, weirs and pumps, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them.

The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation.  

Colorado received $7 million from the Bureau of Reclamation through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) for implementing a Diversion Measurement Program through 2029 across the West Slope. The purpose of the funding is to implement the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. This funding will help with installation of measurement devices such as a flume or weir for eligible water users; it does not cover headgate or diversion structure construction or repair. The funding comes at a time when DWR is implementing rulemaking for measurement in the Colorado River Basin (Questions about rulemaking? Reach out to the Colorado Division of Water Resources).

Eligible Entities

Who’s Eligible? 

Water users in Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7 within the Upper Colorado River Basin (excluding the North Platte River Basin) with a missing or faulty measurement device may apply for a new measurement device to be installed at their point of diversion, free of charge.

To apply for a measurement device, you must own or use an active water right at your point of diversion. You also need a legal right to access the location where the structure will be installed, and your current diversion structure (like a headgate) must be in working condition and actively used to put water to beneficial use.

Who’s not eligible? 

Any water user outside of Colorado’s geographic Upper Colorado River Basin is not eligible to apply. Colorado state agencies and federal agencies are not eligible to apply.

Process

The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by CWCB and SGM, who was hired to coordinate closely with interested water users from application to installation. The program will also coordinate with DWR and rulemaking processes on the West Slope.

Interested water users should submit either a Statement of Interest (below) or formal application. CWCB and SGM will review all submissions and follow-up with additional questions.

Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them. Structures will be installed by 2029. The structure will be compliant with any relevant DWR rules and the local water commissioner will be given the opportunity to verify the installation.