FOSTERING INTERSTATE COMITY ON THE HARDEST WORKING RIVER IN THE WEST
The Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) is an interstate water administrative agency established by action of five state legislatures and Congress with the enactment of the 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact. The Commission’s role is to ensure the appropriate allocation of water from the Colorado River to the Upper Division States of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico and to ensure compliance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact to the Lower Division States of Nevada, Arizona, and California and to the Republic of Mexico.
The Commission seeks to promote interstate comity, remove causes of present and future controversies, and to assure the storage of water and agricultural and industrial development of the Upper Basin. The Commission is comprised of one representative appointed by the Governor of each Upper Division State and one member appointed by the President to represent the United States.
Meet Our Commissioners
Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board
Wyoming State Engineer
General Manager, Central Utah Water Conservancy District
UCRC Responsibilities
Some of the primary responsibilities of the UCRC outlined in the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact of 1948 include:
Streamgaging
Assisting with the initial location-siting, establishment, construction, abandonment, operation, and maintenance of streamgages in the Upper Basin.
Forecasting
Assisting with estimation of forecast water runoff on the Colorado River and its tributaries.
Rules and Regulations
Assisting the Upper Division States with the adoption of Rules and Regulations that pertain to Colorado River operations in the Upper Basin.
Data Analysis
Analyzing, correlating, preserving, and reporting on data related to streamflow, storage, diversion, and use of the Colorado River and its tributaries.
Findings
Findings as to the quantity of the Upper Colorado River System used each year in the Upper Basin, and in each State.
Water Deliveries
Findings as to the quantity of water deliveries at Lee Ferry during each water year.
Water Use
Findings as to the necessity for and the extent of curtailment of water use required, if any.
Reservoir Losses
Findings as to the quantity of reservoir losses and the share chargeable to each of the States.
Meet Our Staff
Representing the four Upper Division States (WY, CO, UT, and NM), and located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.
