Colorado River Water Leaders Release Recommendations for Assigned Water Programs
Our 2026 Colorado River Water
Leaders cohort completed its seven-month
program recently with policy recommendations to
strengthen ”assigned water” programs across the Colorado
River Basin.
“Assigned water” has become a key tool for conserving Colorado River water and helping to stabilize Lake Mead to prevent shortages. Originally developed as “Intentionally Created Surplus” within the 2007 Interim Guidelines, it gives users the ability to store conserved water earmarked for their own future use.
The cohort was tasked with assessing existing assigned water programs and identifying opportunities across the Colorado River Basin. Following seven months of learning, collaboration and discussion with leading Colorado River experts who served as mentors, the cohort developed recommendations focused on:
- Greater transparency in water accounting
- Stronger relationships and communication among interested parties
- Enhanced monitoring and data collection
The report reflects the independent work of the 12-member cohort of up-and-coming engineers, lawyers, resource specialists and others working for public, private and non-governmental organizations from across the river’s basin. The cohort maintained full editorial control over the final recommendations.
Cohort members presented their recommendations in September at the Water Education Foundation’s biennial Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe, N.M. The invitation-only event brought together key water managers, state and federal officials, tribal leaders and other interested parties throughout the Colorado River Basin.
Thinking of Applying for the 2028 Program?
Our biennial Colorado River Water Leaders program is modeled after our California Water Leaders program, which deepens the participants’ knowledge of water, enhances their leadership skills and prepares them to take an active, cooperative approach to decision-making on water issues. Leading experts and policymakers serve as mentors in both programs.
The next Colorado River Water Leaders cohort will be selected in 2028. Sign up for our announcements to stay updated on the application window.
