Equity in the Colorado River Basin:
How to Sustainably Manage a Shrinking Resource

In any given year of late, demands for water in the Colorado River Basin exceed supply.  Chronic drought, record heat, and rampant wildfires are already affecting the Basin’s overall health and resilience, and the historically low levels in Lakes Mead and Powell raise the specter of an unprecedented call on the river.  These historic challenges come at a time when several key components of the “Law of the River” are sunsetting in 2026.  Key players are already revisiting the 2007 Interim Guidelines, Minute 323, and the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan.  Relatedly, endangered fish programs relevant to the region expire in 2023.  Meanwhile, 48% of tribal households in the U.S. do not have access to reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or basic sanitation.  These harsh realities hasten the need to advance sustainable water management, improve watershed resilience, and ensure clean water access through collaborative decision-making.  We look forward to bringing together diverse expertise from across the region to draw the roadmap to an equitable future in the Colorado River Basin.

Conference Reception celebrating the career of Dr. Doug Kenney
Wednesday, September 29
5:30 p.m. MOUNTAIN TIME
Wolf Law Building, Schaden Commons

41st Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources
Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. MOUNTAIN TIME
Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom

Part 1:  Universal Access to Clean Water on Tribal Lands (Thursday morning)

Part 2:  Ecosystem Health of the Colorado River Basin (Thursday afternoon)

Part 3:  CRB Hydrology & Management Guideline Renegotiations (Friday)

Save the Date!

Possibility to attend all events remotely.