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Western Slope lawmakers take Colorado River managers to task
By Heather Sackett Follow
heather@aspenjournalism.org at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
Western Slope lawmakers had harsh words for water managers at a state committee hearing last week, questioning whether Colorado has done enough to avoid a lawsuit with its downstream neighbors.
Colorado Sen. Dylan Roberts, a District 8 Democrat who represents several Western Slope counties, in...
Key takeaway Dylan Roberts, a District 8 Democrat who represents several Western Slope counties, in...
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's own water security is tied to the fate of the Colorado River negotiations, given the Roaring Fork River's connection to the larger Colorado River system. The city's residents and businesses rely on a steady water supply, not just for drinking water and snowmaking, but also for the health of the local ecosystem. If mandatory cuts in water use are imposed on the Upper Basin states, Pitkin County could face significant challenges in managing its water resources. The potential for litigation and subsequent cuts could also impact local agriculture, recreation, and tourism, all of which are vital to Aspen's economy. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for local leaders to stay engaged with state officials and advocate for the interests of the Roaring Fork Valley, ensuring that any decisions made in Denver or through federal litigation do not disproportionately harm this community.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . 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 Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Western Slope lawmakers had harsh words for water managers at a state committee hearing last week, questioning whether Colorado has done enough to avoid a lawsuit with its downstream neighbors.
Colorado Sen. Dylan Roberts, a District 8 Democrat who represents several Western Slope counties, in...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Heather Sackett Follow
heather@aspenjournalism.org at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. 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 .
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