Colorado River District seeks historic Shoshone water rights

The Colorado River Conservation Water District is pursuing the acquisition of the historic Shoshone water rights, a process currently moving through the Colorado Water Court. The district reached an agreement in December 2023 to purchase the rights from Xcel Energy for $98.5 million.

These rights, which date back to 1902 and 1929, are tied to a hydropower plant in Glenwood Canyon. Because the 1902 Shoshone right is senior to many others on the Colorado River, it takes priority over junior rights when river flows drop below 1,480 cubic feet per second.

General Manager Andy Mueller stated that while the district seeks collaborative mediation, it remains committed to defending the interests and values of the 17 Western Slope counties it represents.