The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) was created nearly 80 years ago to provide policy direction on water issues. The CWCB is Colorado’s most comprehensive water information resource. The agency maintains expertise in a broad range of programs and provides technical assistance to further the utilization of Colorado’s waters.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) represents each major water basin, Denver and other state agencies in our joint effort to use water wisely and protect our water for future generations.
Lauren Ris
Director of Colorado Water Conservation Board
Lauren Ris, is a water policy expert who is passionate about solution-focused water resilience in the state. She previously held the position of Deputy Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). Additionally, Lauren previously worked as a Committee and Policy Staff Fiscal Analyst for the Colorado Legislative Council, a Legislative Liaison for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Assistant Director for Water in the DNR.
Lauren holds a Bachelors in English and Environmental Science from Willamette University and a Masters in Natural Resource Policy and Conservation Biology from the University of Michigan.
Boards and Commissions Info
- Colorado Water Conservation Board
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The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) dates to 1937, and was created to provide policy direction on water issues. The CWCB is Colorado's most comprehensive water information resource. The CWCB's responsibilities range from protecting Colorado's streams and lakes to water conservation, flood mitigation, watershed protection, stream restoration, drought planning, water supply planning and water project financing. The CWCB also works to protect the state's water apportionments in collaboration with other western states and federal agencies.
- Interbasin Compact Committee
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The Authority is a quasi-governmental organization created by state statute to provide low cost financing of water related infrastructure projects to municipalities and special districts. Tax-exempt government bonds are issued and are coupled with federal government grants to provide the capital necessary to offer low interest rate loans. The Authority is comprised of a total of 11 staff, including 5 employees in the accounting department. Four distinct financing programs are operated to meet the needs of borrowers. The Authority's operations are funded by its programs, and are not dependent upon state appropriations.