COLORADO WATER IS VERY POPULAR

That’s because a lot of people depend on it. The snow that falls in the Colorado Rockies not only provides water to about 5 million Coloradans, but also to people living in 18 other states. Colorado is the only state other than Hawaii where water flows out of its borders, but doesn’t flow in.

COLORADO WATER IS VALUABLE

Snow provides the swoosh to our skiing and rivers give the splash to our rafting. Water keeps us alive, grows our food and keeps our landscapes healthy. We need it to run our businesses, as well as for sanitation and safety. The environment, wildlife, trees and plants depend on it, too.

OUR WATER CYCLE

All the water that we have—and ever will have—already is on the planet.

The water cycle is a massive recycling process.

Here in Colorado, it begins with mountain snow. Most of the water we use comes from the snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, which acts like a frozen reservoir. Spring runoff from the snow feeds our streams, rivers, lakes, groundwater and reservoirs—starting points for the West’s water supply. This precious resource is then treated, used and returned to evaporate into snow and rain again.

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KNOW YOUR WATERSHED

Colorado has eight major watersheds.

Know where your water comes from so you can get involved with important issues that relate to your local water supply.

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In the state known for its 14,000-foot peaks, saving water is important regardless of how deep the snowpack is every year.

Conserving water must become a routine way of life.

In Colorado, residents use between 85-100 gallons of water per person per day. Here are some “Fourteeners” to help you reduce indoor water use.

Our love of the outdoor lifestyle in Colorado makes our yards, parks and open spaces of primo importance.

Using water wisely outdoors is one of the best ways to save water.

Here are some “Fourteeners” to help you reduce outdoor water use.

COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS

14 WAYS TO SAVE INDOORS

COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS

14 WAYS TO SAVE OUTDOORS

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TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER

In the state know for its 14,000-foot peaks, saving water is important regardless of how deep the snowpack is every year. Conserving water must become a routine way of life.

Fourteener Indoor Facts

In the state know for its 14,000-foot peaks, saving water is important regardless of how deep the snowpack is every year. Conserving water must become a routine way of life.

Fourteener Outdoor Facts

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TIPS FOR WATER QUALITY

Coloradans enjoy some of the best water in the West. Let’s keep it that way by doing our part to protect our beautiful rivers and water quality. Remember we all live downstream.

What happens upstream affects those downstream.

COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS

14 WAYS TO CARE FOR WATER QUALITY

TIPS FOR WATER QUALITY

Coloradans enjoy some of the best water in the West. Let’s keep it that way by doing our part to protect our beautiful rivers and water quality. Remember we all live downstream.

Fourteener Care Facts

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Compared to other expenses—mobile phones, Internet, cable television, food—water is a pretty good deal.

Most consumers only pay around a half of a penny per gallon for clean water delivered to their tap.

However, aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, climate change and the need for new water projects to meet a growing population all will contribute to the cost of water increasing. As demand for water increases, solutions to complex water issues will need to be crafted. Commit to learning more about your community’s water supply and engaging in the dialogue about our water future.