Protect San Luis Valley Water

07/28/2026

The Subdistrict 1 trial is coming to an end this week. Judge Gonzales provided a timeline that leads to this Thanksgiving for when all the case documents and filings will be completed and he can begin his deliberations.

“I guess if there’s one message that we all need to take to heart is that we need to change the things we’ve been doing,” Gonzales said in completing his comments. “We can’t continue down the path we’ve been because if we think that’s the only way we can go, we’re dooming our children, our children’s children. And I don’t want to be a part of that time.” Read more

As arguments over water plan wrap up, he acknowledges that all sides won’t be satisfied with decision, emphasizes ‘we need to change the things we’ve been doing’

07/22/2026

Drought resilience symposium coming up soon!

Designing for Adaptation: A Symposium

📆Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1:30 pm - 6:00 pm, reception 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

📍Adams State University | The Banquet room, Student Union Building | 1603 First St., Alamosa, CO 81101

Free admission, but please RSVP in advance.

This event is hosted by the The Wright-Ingraham Institute in partnership with Adams State University and regional collaborators across the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico.

This event is the culminating public gathering of the Wright-Ingraham Institute's 2026 Field Workshop, Designing for Adaptation in a Time of Prolonged Drought. Over three weeks, fellows have worked alongside farmers, water managers, land stewards, conservation practitioners, and community leaders to explore what drought adaptation might look like in the San Luis Valley and Taos Plateau.

The Institute’s programs connect scientists, designers, artists, and community leaders to address the ecological and social pressures shaping landscapes across the American West. WII’s Field Workshop is its signature educational program, training graduate students and early-career practitioners to grow as integrative thinkers through field observation, systems thinking, participatory design, and direct collaboration with regional partners.

Read more about this year’s Field Workshop program, partners, and fellowship cohort here: https://wright-ingraham.org/field-workshops/fw2026/

The Designing for Adaptation symposium is supported by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Gates Family Foundation.

07/21/2026

The Subdistrict 1 Colorado Division 3 water trial is on schedule to finish later this week after former State Engineer Kevin Rein testifies in favor of the RGWCD's Fourth Amended Plan of Water Management. After the trial is concluded, Judge Michael Gonzales will provide a timeline for his decision. In his own words, "This is not something we want to push out too far."

Read the Alamosa Citizen story at https://www.alamosacitizen.com/water-trial-set-to-wrap-up-this-week/.

The trial in Alamosa water court deals with the Fourth Amended Plan of Water Management for Subdistrict 1

07/21/2026

The San Luis Valley sits atop one of Colorado's most important underground water sources: the Valley's unconfined aquifer. All the reason to find local, collaborative solutions to keep growing what we can in the San Luis Valley, even as Mother Nature gives us less H2O.

07/13/2026

Biblical flood needed to recover the aquifer… Read more about Subdistrict 1 Water Case.

State engineer warns that without the new water management plan, wells could be shut off

07/10/2026

We are facing major drought and heat this summer, but neither are new. They are part of the new normal. There’s in the San Luis Valley.

07/09/2026

"Are less-thirsty crops a solution to Colorado’s growing water problems?" The Colorado Sun poses the question, but the answers are more complex.

"Colorado’s water solutions lie with alternative crops, and irrigation nozzles that save 2% of flows, and welcoming local food markets … all of the above.

'There’s no silver bullet, it’s all silver BBs,” the [ 's own Heather Dutton, manager of the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District] said. “We’re going to have to do all of this. That’s the long game.' "

Read the story: https://www.gjsentinel.com/are-less-thirsty-crops-a-solution-to-colorado-s-growing-water-problems/article_302f0422-e03a-4f07-9e86-f15c05d9059b.html

The Colorado Sun

07/07/2026

The Alamosa Citizen is running a series on the Subdistrict 1 water court case related to the Fourth Amended Plan of Water Management. Read their first installment here and stay tuned for more (we'll share as they come out): https://www.alamosacitizen.com/water-trial-week-1-a-history-lesson/.

The Valley’s water system — from ancient times to farmers’ early irrigation practices — sets the groundwork in making a case for Subdistrict 1’s Fourth Amended Plan of Water Management

07/06/2026

From river and habitat projects to the movement, American Rivers recently shared another insightful story about creative ways that communities in the are working together to make the most of limited water supplies: https://www.americanrivers.org/2026/07/the-san-luis-valleys-innovative-approach-to-water-scarcity/

In Colorado’s San Luis Valley, communities are coming together to address water supply challenges with creativity, and collaboration.

07/04/2026

Wishing all our neighbors in the Valley a wonderful 250th anniversary of our country. As we enjoy burgers, potato chips, and beer today, we’re especially grateful for the local farms that provide our favorite 4th of July staples .