- Wyoming residents have until November 13, 2026, to comment on proposed water conservation rules.
- The program would allow eligible Colorado River Basin water users to voluntarily reduce water consumption.
- Approved projects would protect participating water rights from loss or abandonment.
- Conservation projects must meet state requirements and protect other water users.
- Wyoming’s new law allows conserved water to be stored in reservoirs under certain conditions.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 — Wyoming water users have until Friday, November 13, 2026, to submit comments on proposed rules for the state’s new Voluntary Water Conservation Program.
The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office is seeking public feedback before beginning the formal rulemaking process.
The program was established under legislation passed during Wyoming’s 2026 legislative session. It creates a way for eligible water users in Wyoming’s portion of the Colorado River Basin to voluntarily conserve water while protecting their existing water rights.
The State Engineer’s Office held a virtual public meeting on October 13, 2026, to introduce the draft rules and answer questions. The public comment period opened October 14 and closes November 13.
How the Conservation Program Would Work.
The Voluntary Water Conservation Program allows people holding valid water rights in Wyoming’s portion of the Colorado River Basin to apply for approval of conservation projects.
Under Wyoming law, eligible projects must reduce the amount of water actually consumed or help Wyoming meet its obligations under interstate Colorado River agreements.
The distinction between water diverted and water consumed is important.
Water diverted from a river or stream is not necessarily all consumed. Some may return to the water system. The program focuses on reducing water consumption rather than simply reducing the amount diverted.
Applications must be submitted to the State Engineer’s Office for review and approval. Projects may involve multiple water rights or multiple water users.
The state engineer must consider whether proposed conservation projects meet program requirements and whether they could harm existing water rights.
Projects that could harm other water rights cannot be approved. The state engineer may also reject projects considered harmful to the public interest or those that appear to support interstate water marketing.
Water Rights Would Remain Protected.
One important provision of Wyoming’s conservation law addresses concerns about losing water rights through voluntary conservation.
Under the law, participating water rights cannot be lost, abandoned, or impaired as a result of an approved conservation project.
When the project ends, the water right holder automatically regains the rights and authorized uses held under the original water right.
The law also establishes limits on certain irrigation conservation projects.
Projects that temporarily stop diverting natural streamflow for irrigation generally cannot continue for more than five consecutive years.
Water rights participating for two to five consecutive years must generally return to their authorized use for at least two years before becoming eligible to participate again.
An exception applies to qualifying irrigation improvements that produce long-term reductions in water consumption.
Other Water Users Would Have a Voice.
The law requires notifying people who might be affected by proposed conservation projects.
The State Engineer’s Office must publish notices of applications and provide notice to interested parties who have requested information about projects in their water districts.
For certain irrigation projects, applicants must also make a good-faith effort to notify neighboring landowners.
Affected water right holders and other eligible parties may submit written comments about individual projects.
The law also establishes procedures for appealing state engineer decisions.
These protections are separate from the current public comment period, which concerns the proposed rules governing the overall program.
Conserved Water Could Be Stored in Reservoirs.
Wyoming’s legislation also addresses what happens to water saved through approved conservation projects.
The law authorizes the state engineer and Wyoming Water Development Office to pursue storage of conserved water in Fontenelle Reservoir.
Other reservoirs within Wyoming’s portion of the Colorado River Basin may also be evaluated for possible storage.
Under the law, stored conservation water may be released for certain purposes, including:
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Providing water for beneficial uses within Wyoming.
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Reducing the effects of mandatory water-use restrictions on Wyoming water right holders.
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Helping Wyoming meet its obligations under interstate Colorado River agreements.
Reservoir storage would be subject to applicable agreements and contractual requirements.
Why Wyoming Created the Program.
Wyoming lawmakers cited prolonged drought and unusually low water flows throughout the Colorado River Basin as reasons for establishing the program.
The legislation states that the basin has experienced unusually dry conditions since 2000.
Lawmakers also identified the need to help Wyoming water users manage severe drought and possible future water-use reductions.
The legislation allows Wyoming to participate in a broader Upper Colorado River Basin conservation program if it receives the required approvals.
The state authorized $510,000 to help implement the conservation law, including funding for two additional positions in the State Engineer’s Office through June 2028.
The law also requires annual reports to legislative committees through 2031.
No new conservation projects may be authorized under the law on or after July 1, 2032.
November 13 Is the Deadline for Comments.
The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office is accepting written comments on the proposed Voluntary Water Conservation Program rules through November 13, 2026.
Comments may be submitted by email or regular mail.
Email: seo-vwcp@wyo.gov
Mailing address:
ATTN: Voluntary Water Conservation Program
Wyoming State Engineer’s Office
122 West 25th Street
Herschler Building, 2-W
Cheyenne, WY 82002
The State Engineer’s Office has made the draft rules, proposed application forms, October 13 meeting recording, and presentation materials available for public review.
The November 13 deadline applies to this preliminary public comment period. The agency will then proceed toward the formal rulemaking process.
For Wyoming water right holders, irrigation districts, neighboring property owners, and others interested in Colorado River water management, the comment period provides an opportunity to review and respond to the proposed rules before that process begins.
Important Links:
1. Wyoming State Engineer’s Office. Voluntary Water Conservation Program. Official program announcement, draft rules information, October 13, 2026, public outreach meeting, and public comment period of October 14 through November 13, 2026.
2. Voluntary Water Conservation Program – Wyoming Legislature. Senate File 0084, Enrolled Act No. 62, 2026 Budget Session. Voluntary Water Conservation Program Act. Wyoming Statutes §§ 41-3-117 through 41-3-119; Sections 2–8.
