8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Registration / Check-in

9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. | Opening Remarks

Jeff Nuttall, BizWest Media

9:05 to 10:05 a.m. | Session I

Water-Economy Nexus

Northern Colorado’s economy is fueled by many factors, including rapid population growth and the expansion of key industries.  But what happens when growth occurs at a faster pace than local water suppliers can support? What challenges exist for municipalities and water districts in providing water for new residents and expanding industries?

10:20 to 11:20 a.m. | Session II

Regional Collaboration

Discussions have occurred for years about how Northern Colorado stakeholders should collaborate to help preserve the region’s water resources, but little has been done. As challenges mount regarding drought, water demand, and outside purchase of water, what solutions can be put in place to protect the region’s economic future?

11:35 to 12:50 p.m. | Session III

Case Studies

Innovative methods of supplying and reusing water are emerging throughout the region, from developers to municipalities and other stakeholders. What ideas are being implemented, and how will they shape the future of Northern Colorado water?

1:05 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. | Session IV

Water Resilience 

Extreme weather conditions such as drought and forest fires pose severe challenges for Northern Colorado communities as they seek to protect and preserve the region’s water supplies. What measures can be put in place to ensure that clean water remains in sufficient supply, even when watersheds are threatened?

2:20 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. | Session V

Water Law

Legislation, regulations, and cases of note. As the Colorado River Compact reaches its 100th anniversary, major water legislation and regulations are poised to impact Northern Colorado, including Colorado River demand management, House Bill 1037 on water augmentation, drought-contingency planning, and other measures. Several lawsuits also are working their way through the courts as municipalities and water districts fight it out on several fronts. This panel will address some of the major measures working their way through the Legislature and courts.