Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion on the new draft of the Colorado Water Plan. It appears to be evolving in a direction that I agree with. Looking for a strong voice of conservation and healthy watersheds from the plan, I am happy see the a number of ideas presented in the new draft.
A definitive statewide urban conservation goal of saving 400,000 acre-feet of water by 2050 is presented. I agree with this goal: I would like to see more details on how it can be attained.
The idea of scrutinizing new trans-mountain water diversions is present. The predicted growth of 5 million additional people in Colorado by 2050 presents an opportunity to educate new residents on how water works here. Educated newcomers might be more inclined to agree that new water projects should only be built after growing communities have maximized water conservation and reuse opportunities. I hope to see ideas in the final plan related to educating new Coloradans about the water situation here and throughout the west.
The plan now acknowledges the need for a large amount funding for river protection and restoration, and it presents a number of possible funding sources. I am glad that the plan addresses funding issues head on, and that it acknowledges that it will take many resources to ensure a future Colorado that has healthy watersheds, rivers and wildlife.
In light of the recent catastrophe with the Gold King Mine toxic spill, It appears imperative to address watersheds in Colorado in jeopardy of similar contamination from aging mines. It has been disheartening for me to now learn about the 7,300 abandoned mines that remain in the state. Perhaps the final draft of the Colorado Water Plan should propose ideas on how to protect watersheds from this type of disaster in the future. It might be an opportunity to capitalize on the recent national attention that has been shed on this problem. It would be a mistake to implement a water plan that did not address major threats to watershed health such as this.
Will Carter
Denver
