Colorado task force seeking options to fill a $50M water funding gap

[Fresh Water News]

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Jan. 29, 2026

Dear John,

This week Fresh Water News reports on a new draft report outlining a $50 million gap in water funding tied to severance taxes; we also take a dive into data centers in Colorado. In other news Colorado River negotiator Becky Mitchell and Gov. Jared Polis will travel to D.C. with other state representatives for more talks; Utah buys bankrupt U.S. Magnesium to use its water to aid the Great Salt Lake; and Pitkin County spends $6.5 million to boost flows in the Roaring Fork River.

Draft report: Colorado needs another $50M annually for water funding, and severance taxes aren’t the answer State task force is examining new funding options, including the potential for new taxes or a long-term trust fund to fill the cash gap

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Data centers are coming to Colorado. Can the parched state handle their big water needs? Utility companies, Colorado legislators and others are working to balance the impacts of a growing data center industry

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TOP STORIES FROM COLORADO AND THE WEST

Polis, Mitchell to head to D.C. for Colorado River talks Whether the impasse over new operating rules for the river can be broken is unclear Read more here

Utah buys bankrupt U.S. Magnesium in a $30 million deal to aid the Great Salt Lake The state will use the water tied to the plant to help bolster levels in the iconic water body Read more here

Pitkin County purchases water to aid Roaring Fork River The $6.5 million purchase is set to close April 2 Read more here

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