Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Business leaders pitch water sharing between urban, rural communities

‘Buy-and-grow’ would combat practice of agricultural dry-up
Business and agricultural leaders came together in Denver on Thursday to discuss the future of water in Colorado. Hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, leaders suggested a plan that moves away from ag dry-up, instead promoting investments to farmers in exchange for water sharing.

DENVER – Business leaders Thursday said they hope to replace the practice of “buy-and-dry” with “buy-and-grow,” a plan that would allow farmers to share their water rights with municipalities.

The idea was proposed at a meeting in Denver with state and local water officials, hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly Brough, chief executive of the chamber, said “buy-and-grow” could usher in a new wave of water policy. The new plan could overshadow conversations about other controversial issues, such as transmountain diversion.

“By implementing measures that will streamline flexible water sharing between ag and urban areas, in ways that allow ag to continue to grow through using efficiencies, protect their water rights and reducing the transitional cost, while delivering water to an urban area,” Brough said of the plan.

She asked for the proposal to be included in Colorado’s Water Plan, a lengthy and historic project underway to map the future of water in Colorado.

Ag dry-up occurs when someone purchases land and moves the water into the municipal system. But the future looks bleak, as fears of permanent dry-up grows, potentially crippling the farming industry in Colorado.

“Buy-and-grow” would essentially boil down to sharing between urban and rural communities. Governments and private interests could help farmers with investments into water-conservation technology and other equipment, thereby helping farmers grow. The farmers would then turn around and share the water that they don’t need anymore because of the savings.

“They’re still growing, still producing, they’re more efficient and they don’t lose their water right,” Brough said.

Robert Sakata, owner of Sakata Farms in Weld County, who spoke at the meeting, acknowledged the reality of ag dry-up, pointing out that millions of acres stand to dry up by 2050.

“In order to feed the world, we’re going to need water,” Sakata said.

pmarcus@durangoherald.com



Reader Comments