A Brief History

The Rio Grande Water Conservation District was statutorily created by the Colorado General Assembly and formed in 1967 by a vote of the people residing within it's boundaries. We are a five county special district encompassing Alamosa, Rio Grande, Conejos and those portions of Saguache and Mineral counties within the Rio Grande River basin, including the Closed Basin. In order to accomplish its mission, R.G.W.C.D. is authorized to levy an ad valorem tax on all real property located within the District. In addition, R.G.W.C.D. is also authorized to contract with Federal, State and local agencies, and individuals.

R.G.W.C.D. is governed by a Board of Directors who are appointed for three year terms by the County Commissioners of each county within the District. There are two directors appointed from each of these five counties with the exception of Mineral County which appoints one director. These nine directors are responsible for the overall development of District projects and programs and are the decision making body for any and all legal decisions, policy statements, etc. The Board gives direction to the District's General Manager who then creates a work plan for the District's employees.

Our Mission

The Rio Grande Water Conservation District is the leading entity in improved total water management in the San Luis Valley with a goal of efficiency and good water conservation efforts. Our mission, therefore, is "to enhance and protect the water rights of the citizens in the San Luis Valley who reside within the boundaries of the District".