We are celebrating because water is valuable! Learn more about Colorado's water resources here, or continue to celebrate and value water beyond 2012 with the Value of Water Campaign.

Everything we do and value in this state: green lawns, native plants, forests, deserts, streams, rivers, cities, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, rafting, skiing, ranching, biking, hiking, using electricity, drinking, eating, farming, bathing—everything—is dependant upon water. We use water in many very different ways, but they're all closely connected.

How much water is there? There is rarely enough water to meet all of our state's varied demands; we average 16" of precipitation each year. By contrast, Kansas receives more than 28" and Florida gets more than 50"! Every drop is valuable.

Colorado’s water benefits many people. Colorado is a headwaters state. River water flows beyond Colorado—east to the Atlantic Ocean and west to the Pacific Ocean, nourishing communities in 19 states and Mexico. About 65% of our clean surface water flows to downstream neighbors.

More people, more water. We face a challenge: providing future generations with enough clean water. Colorado’s population is projected to double to between 8.6 and 10 million people by 2050—this will cause municipal water demands to double. Let’s work together to meet Colorado’s future water needs in a sustainable way, to celebrate our history, and to recognize what we have today.