local
Colorado River experts say agriculture must make permanent cuts to water use
By Heather Sackett Follow
heather@aspenjournalism.org at Aspen Times
· June 23, 2026
· 10 min read
Some Colorado River experts are floating a concept to address the basin’s water woes that is both radical and mundane: permanently reducing the amount of water used by agriculture.
Many cities have already reduced their water use in recent decades while adding residents, proving that populatio...
Key takeaway A 2024 study by Colorado River scientists found that agriculture is responsible for about 74% of water used by people in the basin, meaning urban conservation alone cannot solve the crisis.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's own water security is inextricably linked to the fate of the Colorado River, given the Roaring Fork River's status as a tributary. The prospect of permanent cuts to agricultural water use has significant implications for Pitkin County, where agriculture plays a smaller but still vital role in the local economy. While the city of Aspen has made strides in reducing its water consumption, the broader regional ecosystem relies on a delicate balance of water allocation. As experts like Anne Castle urge immediate action to avoid a system crash, local stakeholders must consider the potential consequences of reduced water flows on the Roaring Fork River, including impacts on aquatic habitats, recreation, and spring runoff flooding. The Aspen School District and city government may need to reassess their water management strategies in light of these developments, prioritizing conservation and efficiency to mitigate the effects of a drier future.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 10 min
Get more Aspen News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Some Colorado River experts are floating a concept to address the basin’s water woes that is both radical and mundane: permanently reducing the amount of water used by agriculture.
Many cities have already reduced their water use in recent decades while adding residents, proving that populatio...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Heather Sackett Follow
heather@aspenjournalism.org at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter