For Colorado's rivers, communities, and local economies . . .
Just Add Water.
Our Impact
Since 2001, Colorado Water Trust has restored...
20.82
Billion Gallons of Water
74,555
Acre-feet
600
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
On September 18, 2023, the Grand County Irrigated Land Company (GCILC) started releasing water from Meadow Creek Reservoir to boost instream flows in the Upper Fraser River. Releases from the reservoir will be picked up by the Moffat Collection system and in exchange Denver Water will reduce diversions at the Jim Creek collection point. This will boost flows in the Upper Fraser River through the Town of Winter Park and on downstream. This project is part of a one-year agreement between GCILC and Colorado Water Trust (the Water Trust). Both parties hope it can be the first year of a longer-term solution to low flows of the Fraser River.💦 #coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
Congratulations to Jojo La and Don Anderson for winning the David Getches Flowing Waters Award this year! Jojo, the former Endangered Species Policy Specialist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and Don, the former Instream Flow Coordinator for the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, modeled collaboration, creativity, and persistence to bring lasting change to the 15-Mile Reach of the Colorado River. And many thanks to Tom Chart for introducing Don and receiving the award on his behalf, and to Nancy Smith for her introduction of Jojo. We are so inspired by each of you! 💦🐟 #coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
Big thanks to everyone who came to RiverBank last week! We had record attendance with close to 250 people and raised funds towards our work restoring water to rivers and streams in need. We are grateful to our sponsors and volunteers for helping make this great event possible, and we’re already looking forward to next year! 🎉💦 #coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow at RiverBank! Tickets are still on sale and prices go up tomorrow so make sure to get yours today! 💫 #coloradowatertrust #justaddwater
