Willow Creek – Cottonwood Confluence

Background

Owners of an irrigation ditch water rights worked in partnership with Colorado Water Trust to create a plan to boost streamflow and maintain the fishery in times of low flow.

Tool

Loans & Leases

As the first use of a Water Conservation Program under Senate Bill 13-19, this project allows two irrigation ditches to cease diversions during low flow conditions for up to 5 years in any 10 year period without penalty to their water rights. In addition, because there are no other diverters immediately downstream, that additional water helps to keep Willow Creek connected to the Colorado River. In turn, flows on over 4 miles of the upper Colorado are sustained, keeping the river healthy for fish and other wildlife.

Partners

Cottonwood Confluence, LLC, Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Impact

Through 2023, over

857.1
Million gallons

1,908
Acre-feet of water has been restored to Willow Creek and the Colorado River.

Timeline

2015 - 2025