- Nearly $12 million awarded to modernize irrigation in Colorado.
- Orchard Mesa project will replace open canals with pipelines.
- Improvements expected to conserve 6,900 acre-feet of water annually.
- New meters will provide real-time monitoring for better management.
- Salinity in the Colorado River will be reduced by 4,560 tons per year.
Friday, June 13, 2025 — On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation announced nearly $12 million in new funding for water conservation projects in Colorado
, part of a broader effort to bolster the Colorado River system’s long-term resilience. The funding will support the implementation of modern irrigation systems in western Colorado, with a focus on conserving water, enhancing delivery efficiency, and mitigating salinity.
“This investment in the Orchard Mesa projects will help ensure the Colorado River continues to support communities, agriculture and ecosystems for generations to come,” said Reclamation Acting Commissioner David Palumbo.
Canal Conversion and Meter Upgrades to Conserve Water.
The Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, located in Palisade, Colorado, will receive approximately $10.5 million to convert 8.4 miles of open irrigation canals into pressurized pipelines. According to federal estimates, the conversion is expected to reduce diversions by up to 6,900 acre-feet and eliminate 2,560 acre-feet of water losses annually. These improvements are also projected to reduce the amount of salt entering the Colorado River by approximately 4,560 tons each year.
In addition to the canal conversion, the district will receive $1.4 million to install 50 new or upgraded flow meters. These devices will replace outdated systems, allowing for real-time monitoring of water use and providing more accurate measurements, which in turn enable more efficient allocation.
Supporting Agriculture and Local Communities.
The Orchard Mesa Division of the Grand Valley Project, operated by the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, provides water to 9,219 acres of farmland and residential properties. These include orchards, vineyards, alfalfa, small grains, and vegetable fields. The federal funding is expected to improve irrigation reliability while supporting sustainable farming practices.
“This funding reflects our continued commitment to strengthening our water conservation investments in the Upper Colorado River Basin,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Scott Cameron. “These partnerships will ensure efficient water delivery while also continuing our commitment to projects in Colorado.”
A Broader Commitment to the Colorado River Basin.
The announcement is part of a larger initiative by Interior and Reclamation to work closely with state and tribal partners across the Colorado River Basin. The agencies are collaborating with representatives from all seven basin states and tribal nations to develop a comprehensive water management strategy that supports the 40 million people who rely on the river.
The upgrades at Orchard Mesa represent a tangible step in that effort, modernizing infrastructure to adapt to a future where every drop of water counts.
Image:
Young peach trees in the orchard-filled town of Palisade, outside Grand Junction, Colorado. In the distance is the area’s famous Grand Mesa, which, at 40 miles in length, is reputed to be the world’s largest mesa, an elevated, flat-topped area of land. Carol M. Highsmith Photography, Inc. Public domain via the Library of Congress.
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