CCWCD History
By Kathy Parker
Created to develop, manage and protect water resources for northeast Colorado, the District has been in operation since 1965. Daily actions are carried out by a staff that has grown from 2 in 1965 to well over 10. Policy and goals are established by a 15 member Board of Directors who have been appointed by District Judges.
One of the first major projects entered into by Central was the proposed construction of a reservoir called the Narrows, in 1968. That particular reservoir was never completed due to environmental concerns in the Carter administration.
In 1973, the Groundwater Management Subdistrict formed, providing augmentation plans to agricultural well owners within Central’s boundaries. Augmentation plans
were required under the Water Rights Determination and Administation Act of 1969. These plans prove there are sufficient water sources to replace any depletions caused by out-of-priority pumping, thus protecting senior water rights from injury. Hundreds of people petitioned the courts for inclusion in Central’s district so they could participate in this augmentation plan.
By 1977, Colorado was suffering under a severe drought. Central’s board of directors took action, obtaining a $127,000 Drought Loan from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to construct augmentation facilities. The drought ended by 1980 and the next 20 years experienced the most precipitation in northeast Colorado’s history.
