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The Colorado General Assembly is considering House Bill 25-1115, which proposes the establishment of a comprehensive water supply measurement and forecasting program under the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). This initiative aims to enhance the state's ability to monitor and predict water availability by:
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Collecting and disseminating snowpack data: Providing accurate and timely information on snow levels to inform water resource management.
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Investigating advanced measurement technologies: Exploring innovations such as light detection and ranging (lidar) to improve the precision of snowpack assessments.
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Gathering additional relevant data: Acquiring supplementary information to support effective water supply forecasting and flood hazard mapping.
The bill outlines an initial budget allocation of approximately $123,000 for the fiscal year 2025-26, primarily sourced from the CWCB Construction Fund. These funds will cover personnel costs, including hiring a Physical Science Researcher specializing in snow and water measurement, as well as expenses related to data storage and dissemination.
The adoption of advanced technologies like lidar is expected to significantly enhance Colorado's water management strategies. By providing detailed, three-dimensional maps of snowpack distribution, these tools offer a more comprehensive understanding of water resources, thereby improving planning and allocation efforts.
House Bill 25-1115 is currently under review by the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, with a hearing scheduled for February 20, 2025.
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