Description

Mark your calendars and join us at the
Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs!

Welcome to the 2024 Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference! Join us for an exploration of pressing issues facing the water industry against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at the stunning Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Our conference offers a diverse array of topics, from legislative updates shaping water policy to discussions on wildlife conservation and management. Dive deep into the complexities of the Colorado River Basin, exploring its ecological significance, management challenges, and the interplay between communities and water resources in the hydro-social context.

Engage with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders as we seek innovative solutions to safeguard our precious water resources for future generations. Whether you're passionate about environmental conservation, water law, or sustainable development, this conference offers valuable insights and networking opportunities in a stunning natural setting.

Come join us at the Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference and be part of the conversation driving positive change for our water future.

PROGRAM: Click HERE to see the full program (071824)
Session names and times are subject to change.

The 2024 Summer Event will feature 5 Pre-Conference Workshops:

• Innovations at the Intersection of Water and Energy
  The development of energy to support economic development has been inextricably linked to water for millennia: from the humble water wheel, to steam engines, to large reservoir hydro-power generation. Join us for a series of topics showcasing current innovations in the water/energy nexus. Experts will share pilot project case studies and new applications of established technologies. Collaboration between these two economically foundational industries can conserve both water and energy, while improving the economics for water utilities and food production and supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
  
  
• Permitting Paralysis – Sponsored by the Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance (DARCA)
  The increasing number and complexity of permits required for water delivery organizations across the state have become a significant challenge. DARCA has observed a notable rise in issues, questions, and concerns related to permitting. Our panel of experts will explore the various types of permits these organizations encounter, the concerns that arise, and the inconsistencies in local, CO Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, and federal permitting processes. Additionally, the panel will address the essential procedures and requirements for land use and water quality permitting, highlighting the need for a more streamlined and cohesive approach.
  
  
• Water Quality Workshop
  Colorado’s New Dredge and Fill Permitting Program
  Green Infrastructure for Water Quality Management
  How the CO Water Quality Control Commission Really Works
  Passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 left us with decades of permitting uncertainty as to what activities are actually covered. Definitions of wetlands, navigability, and Waters of the United States have blown with the winds of political change and US Supreme Court rulings. This year, the Colorado legislature tried the historic - pulling together a wide range of stakeholders to trek through a jungle of complexities to establish a Colorado permitting program for activities not covered under federal processes. Although the framework has been approved, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission will spend the next 1-1/2 years working with the water community to design the program. Join us to learn more about Colorado’s new dredge and fill permitting program and this exciting time and opportunity for Colorado’s diverse water community to build and deepen partnerships.
  
  Additionally, we will explore Colorado's new legislation on Green Infrastructure for Water Quality Management. This legislation marks a progressive step towards sustainable urban development. Enacted to mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff, the legislation encourages the implementation of natural or nature-based solutions such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens. This initiative not only fosters environmental stewardship but also supports community resilience against climate change impacts, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for Colorado.
  
  This workshop will also provide time to learn about the work of the Water Quality Control Commission, who the Commissioners are, and how they conduct business.
  
  
• State Agency Coordination and Vision - Sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association (CBA)
  Within the last six months, new leadership has been announced within the Division of Water Resources and the Water Resources Unit of the Attorney General’s Office. In March, Jason Ullman was announced as the new State Engineer and Director of the Division of Water Resources. In April, Derek Turner re-joined the Colorado Attorney General’s Office as the First Assistant Attorney General for the Water Resources Unit. The Water Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association is excited for Jason and Derek to join us at CWC’s Summer Conference for a joint presentation on their goals, policies, and philosophies for how their units will be run under their respective leadership. Understanding their roles and visions is essential to the Water Law Section and the water community. Please join us for a workshop to celebrate Jason and Derek’s new roles and learn more about their priorities and objectives.
  
  
• Cybersecurity 101 | Considerations for the Water Sector – Part I
  In a letter to all 50 governors, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said “Drinking water and wastewater systems are an attractive target for cyberattacks because they are a lifeline critical infrastructure sector but often lack the resources and technical capacity to adopt rigorous cybersecurity practices.
  
  Are you developing a risk assessment plan that addresses cybersecurity and set up backup systems? Learn more about how to take action to decrease your risk and increase your safety.
  
  This workshop is the first of a two-part series on cybersecurity. (Part II will be at the 2025 Annual Convention.) Covered topics will include:
  
  - Trends in Types of Cyber Attacks
  - Identity Theft- Business & Personal
  - Litigation Trends & Examples
  - Emerging Issues, including H.R. 7922 - establishing water risk and resilience organization requirements
  - Cyber Risk Transfer

Please note that upon successful registration, you will receive a registration confirmation for each registration type you have chosen for registration. This means if you have signed up for both the conference and workshop, you will receive two separate confirmations. This way, if you need to change one of the registrations to another member or cancel altogether, it will not affect your other registration.

EXHIBITORS: You can register HERE. Please review the registration directions and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to signing up.

SPONSORS: You can sign up for sponsor options through the registration link to the right. You can find our complete list and perks for each sponsorship HERE.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Cutoff date: July 29 at 5 pm MT

If you have a room reservation you will not be able to use and need to cancel, please email the confirmation number to AnnaLee Taylor. She will then transfer the room to another member to preserve the room rate/block for our group and remove the reservation from your name.

• Book your hotel reservations online HERE or call 1-800-588-0250. 
• Room rate is $209/night for a standard double queen. 
• Group rate available three days pre/post event, subject to room and rate availability.
• There is a $35 per room/per night resort fee that will be charged in addition to the nightly room rate. The resort fee includes self-parking, unlimited personal wi-fi access, unlimited local/800 calls, in-room coffee/tea, golf bag storage, access to the Country Club of Colorado and its golf course (green fees apply), spa, fitness facility, aquatics center, recreation courts, and fitness classes. 
• Check-in is 4 pm.
• Check-out is 12 pm.

ALTERNATE HOTEL RESERVATIONS - The Cheyenne Mountain Resort is nearing capacity. If you cannot secure a hotel reservation at the event hotel, we suggest the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs. You can make hotel reservations HERE. The hotel is a 6-minute drive to the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Here are a few other hotels nearby in the area:
Fairfield Inn
La Quinta
Hampton Inn
Courtyard Colorado Springs South