Arkansas River receives water boost to combat Colorado drought

The Southern Colorado Water Conservancy District has approved a cooperative effort to release 2,500 acre-feet, or approximately 815 million gallons, of water into the Upper Arkansas River. This measure aims to support fishery health and recreational activities, such as whitewater rafting and Gold Medal Fishing, during a period of catastrophic drought.

Following a winter with record-low snowpack, river flows have trended toward record lows, with some reports indicating levels were less than one-quarter of the historical average for much of the summer. The additional water will be released from the Twin Lakes Reservoir and flow toward the Pueblo Reservoir through November.

Blake Mamich, program director for the Colorado Water Trust, noted that the deal was a creative response to the severe conditions affecting the river's health and the morale of the Arkansas Basin.