University of Denver News Releases

Thursday, September 13, 2007

DU panel proposes nine-point plan for Colorado’s water future

Diverse panel of experts suggest cooperation, planning

DENVER-- While Coloradans have made great strides in conserving water, growing municipal and industrial demand for water in the next 20 years may increase by up to three times the amount of water currently delivered by Denver Water, the state’s largest municipal water agency, according to a water panel assembled by the University of Denver.

          The 24-member DU Water Futures Panel, which recently completed its work, says cooperation and collaboration on all sides will prove to be the most important components of any solution. The future will depend on even more conservation, partnerships between cities and agriculture, and planning for how to deal with extended droughts brought about by climate change. The panel was composed of Colorado civic, business and agricultural leaders.

           “Colorado continues to be an attractive place for families to live and the demand for water will continue to grow,” says panel co-chair and DU Chancellor Emeritus Daniel Ritchie. “We see a future that protects our water resources, promotes our economy, preserves our natural environment and ensures that Colorado’s rural heritage remains a legacy for generations to come.”

          Despite the looming pressures of urban growth, climate change and complex water compacts, the panel emerged from six months of study optimistic about the state’s ability to meet water demands. Its report includes nine key proposals aimed at protecting the state’s water resources:

  •     -Embrace fairness, trust, respect, and openness in water supply planning
  •     -Encouraging water conservation
  •     -Encouraging partnerships between urban and agricultural water users
  •     -Eradicating non-native Phreatophytes (high water consuming plants—e.g.  
  •     Tamarisk)
  •     -Streamlining water court
  •     -Encouraging statewide perspective on water storage and infrastructure
  •     projects
  •     -Facilitating cooperation between river basins
  •     -Planning for potential climate change and drought
  •     -Maintaining healthy rivers and instream flows

           The panel was co-chaired by Ralph Peterson, chairman and CEO of Colorado-based CH2M HILL, a global leader in engineering, consulting, construction, and operations.

          "While there is no quick-fix to solve water issues in the state, our recommendations must be taken as a package of ideas to help Colorado achieve a sustainable water future that prioritizes water conservation, maximizes efficient use of existing water systems, and encourages collaborative planning for new water supplies, says Don Evans, president of CH2M HILL. “Our report represents a frame-work of ideas that helps protect Colorado’s prized environment and rural history, as well as supports our economy.”

          The panel’s report will be posted on the DU Web site at http://www.du.edu/issues. In addition, it will be mailed to a broad list of Colorado citizens in an effort to inform the public about the nine proposals. Those receiving the report include: Agricultural groups, water professionals, Colorado legislators, county commissioners statewide, academics at Colorado colleges and universities, city councils statewide, and chambers of commerce. The panel hopes the report will prompt interested parties in the state to begin working together on solutions to the state’s water issues.

          The DU Water Futures Panel is affiliated with the Strategic Issues Program recently launched by the University of Denver. Each year, the Chancellor will choose an issue of strategic importance to the state, and Program Director Jim Griesemer, professor and Daniels College of Business Dean Emeritus, will assemble a non-partisan panel of Colorado citizens to study the issue.  

  -30-

The University of Denver (www.du.edu), the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, enrolls approximately 10,850 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Carnegie Foundation classifies DU as a Doctoral/Research University with high research activity.

 

Contact:  Jim Berscheidt

Phone: (303) 871-3172

E-mail: Jim.Berscheidt@du.edu