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Data centers are growing rapidly across the United States. They require large amounts of electricity for computational power and water to cool the computer systems. This memorandum explores the impacts of data centers on technology, local economies, electricity, water, public health, and energy costs. It also covers recent federal and state legislation.

In Colorado, the state administers programs addressing both the quantity of water available for municipal, agricultural, industrial and recreational uses, as well as the quality of treated water for drinking and wastewater. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the funds and programs related to water quantity, while the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulates the quality of treated water and wastewater.

The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs.  The book is divided into three parts.  Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
 

This memorandum describes the programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act that may provide formula or competitive grants to Colorado.

This memorandum provides information about irrigation districts in Colorado.  Specifically, it discusses the current irrigation districts, the powers and duties of irrigation districts, and how those powers and duties compare to those of special districts.

Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Water Resources Review Committee.

Summary report for the Water Resources Review Committee.  

Summary Report for the Water Resources Review Committee to the Legislative Council.

This memorandum summarizes the legislative history of Colorado's instream flow program, which is administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) within the Department of Natural Resources.

This handbook was created to help members of the House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee, Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee, the interim Water Resources Review Committee, and other legislators to better understand Colorado's water policies and programs that are likely to be encountered during their tenure.

This memorandum identifies state funding for water supply projects, including the:

• Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund;
• Severance Tax Trust Fund Perpetual Base Fund; 
• Water Supply Reserve Fund; 
• Water Efficiency Grant Program; and 
• Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority Water Revenue Bonds and Small Hydropower Loans