Montezuma Valley Irrigation Co. manager Brandon Johnson has been named 2019 Manager of the Year by Colorado Division of Water Resources, Division 7.

Johnson has been at the helm of the water company for six years, overseeing canal systems and delivery of water from Narraguinnep, Groundhog, the Dolores River, and McPhee Reservoir to regional farms.

His emphasis on upkeep and system improvements, and his collaborative work ethic were recognized on Oct. 22 by Division 7 engineers and staff.

Johnson led the effort in the construction of grade beams in the spillways of Groundhog and Narraguinnep reservoirs and the installation of electronic monitoring equipment at Narraguinnep.

“Your diligence to continued improvements, safety, and operations and maintenance across the MVIC system is commendable,” state and division engineers Kevin Rein and Robert Genualdi said in a letter. “Water is a precious resource and the lifeblood of Colorado, and your work contributes to its conservation and efficient use.”

Johnson said when he called in to the Durango Region 7 office, he did know he’d receive an award.

“I wasn’t sure what the meeting was for, and it was a nice surprise that it was for this,” he said.

Continual upgrades on the 135-year-old systems and working with his staff of 11 employees keeps Johnson motivated.

“We make it more affordable by doing the work ourselves,” he said.

Other recent projects include lining canals to prevent water loss, installing a pump house at Groundhog, improving a dam at Narraguinnep and installing sediment trap systems on ditches.

“What I like about the job is that every day is different with new challenges,” he said. “It’s rewarding to improve the system the best we can and keep water in the Montezuma Valley.”

When not working for MVIC, Johnson also serves as a local EMT.