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A kayaker paddles across Ruedi Reservoir.

County leases Ruedi water to CWCB

Up to 350-acre feet of water will help endangered fish in the Colorado River

PRESS RELEASE
June 19, 2025

Garfield County has agreed to lease up to 350-acre feet of its 400-acre-foot water right in Ruedi Reservoir to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to help preserve threatened and endangered fish in the Colorado River’s 15-mile reach. The water is to be used to bolster instream flows in the delicate stretch between the Grand Valley pumping plant to the confluence with the Gunnison River.

CWCB has agreed to pay the county up to $29,732.50, if it uses all 350-acre feet of water. The Colorado River Conservation District’s in-channel Ruedi water pricing is set at $84.95 per acre foot.

Garfield County has leased a portion of its Ruedi water rights to the CWCB the past four years.

“I’m glad that we purchased the 400-acre feet. There is a use for it,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. “This is for the endangered fish in the Colorado River and a good use for this resource. We’re also seeing some return back to the citizens.”

The Board of County Commissioners approved the lease agreement unanimously, 3-0.