Conservation studies’ findings on Colorado’s Western Slope have lessons for water managers

Conservation studies’ findings on Colorado’s Western Slope have lessons for water managers

The findings of recent water-conservation studies on the Western Slope could have implications for lawmakers and water managers as they plan for a future with less water. Researchers from Colorado State University have found that removing irrigation water from high-elevation grass pastures for an entire season could have long-lasting effects and may not conserve much water compared with lower-elevation crops. Western Slope water users prefer con…