Colorado Advances Water Conservation and Water-Management Efforts
Colorado is continuing to strengthen its approach to water conservation and long-term water management as communities face population growth, drought concerns, and increasing pressure on the state’s water resources.
Rather than one sweeping new conservation law, Colorado’s recent water policy changes come from several pieces of legislation and ongoing programs addressing water conservation, infrastructure, landscaping, drought planning, and implementation of the state’s water plan.
A Major 2026 Water Investment
One of the most significant recent measures is HB26-1338, the 2026 Water Projects Bill, which was signed into law on May 29, 2026.
The legislation provides funding for a range of water-related projects. It includes $37.7 million for grants to help implement Colorado’s State Water Plan, along with funding for watershed restoration and flood-mitigation projects, water forecasting, and other water-management programs. The law also continues funding for the state’s turf-replacement program.
The bill passed the Colorado House by a vote of 54–9 and the Senate by 34–1, reflecting broad support for continued investment in the state’s water infrastructure and planning efforts.
Water Conservation Planning
Colorado also has an established framework for water-conservation planning.
Under the state’s water-conservation laws, certain covered water providers are required to develop, adopt, make publicly available, and implement plans designed to encourage customers to use water more efficiently. Senate Bill 25-283 updated portions of this framework and continued the state’s emphasis on water conservation and drought-mitigation planning.
These plans can help communities identify conservation opportunities and encourage more efficient water use by residential, commercial, industrial, and public customers.
Landscaping and Community Development
Water conservation is also affecting how some new developments and community landscapes are designed.
Colorado’s SB24-005, which took effect in phases beginning in 2026, restricts local governments from allowing certain nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, and invasive plants in specified new development and redevelopment projects.
The law includes provisions affecting commercial, institutional, industrial, and common-interest-community properties, as well as additional requirements involving residential development.
For homeowners associations and community managers, these changes can be particularly relevant when planning landscaping projects, replacing turf, or reviewing landscape standards for new developments.
Supporting Long-Term Water Infrastructure
Colorado’s water strategy also includes significant investment in infrastructure and water-supply projects.
HB26-1338 authorizes substantial loans for projects including the Halligan Water Supply Project in Fort Collins and the Jurgens Reservoir construction project. The legislation also provides funding for water forecasting, watershed restoration, and implementation of the State Water Plan.
These investments are intended to help communities plan for future water needs while improving the state’s ability to manage water resources.
What This Means for Colorado Communities
For homeowners and community associations, water conservation is becoming an increasingly important part of long-term community planning.
HOA boards and community managers may need to consider:
- Landscaping choices and irrigation efficiency
- Turf replacement and drought-tolerant landscaping
- Water use within common areas
- Community maintenance and capital-improvement planning
- Local water-provider conservation programs
- New development and redevelopment requirements
The exact requirements can vary depending on the location and type of property, so communities should review their local regulations and water-provider policies before making significant landscaping or water-use changes.
The Bottom Line
Colorado’s water policy is evolving through a combination of legislation, infrastructure investment, conservation programs, and long-term planning rather than through a single statewide law imposing the same requirements on every resident.
Recent legislation demonstrates that water conservation and water infrastructure remain important priorities for the state. For homeowners, HOAs, developers, and community managers, staying informed about local water regulations can help communities prepare for future water-supply challenges while reducing unnecessary water use.
Sources
For the most current information, Colorado residents and community leaders can consult the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Colorado General Assembly, and their local water provider or municipality for conservation requirements and available programs.