County signs two‑year lease to provide up to 350 acre‑feet from Bruni Reservoir to CWCB

Summary

Garfield County approved a two‑year water lease to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to make up to 350 acre‑feet available from the county’s 400 acre‑foot holding at Bruni Reservoir for environmental flows in the 15‑mile reach below Grand Junction; the county expects approximately $30,000 in revenue for the lease.

Garfield County commissioners approved a biannual agreement to lease up to 350 acre‑feet from the county’s 400 acre‑foot water holding at Bruni Reservoir to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) for a two‑year period.

County staff said the lease is intended to contribute water to the CWCB’s portfolio for environmental flows in the 15‑mile reach below Grand Junction, supporting endangered fish and river health goals. The packet estimated the county would receive roughly $84.95 per acre‑foot under the proposed lease price and anticipated close to $30,000 total revenue for the two‑year agreement.

Commissioners approved the agreement and noted the lease continues a practice the county has used in prior years to make stored water available for environmental and river‑management programs.