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Source water memorandums of understanding

Lower Arkansas River on a cloudy day

 

Development of County & Public Water System Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

As part of local source water protection efforts, the Source Water Program supports the development of Memorandum of Understanding between counties and public water systems to address water resource challenges. These MOUs are designed to establish a cooperative framework for managing and protecting source water quality at the local level.

The goals of these agreements are captured in the acronym "AIM", which stands for:

  • Awareness of source water protection needs.
  • Information sharing among partners.
  • Management strategies that support long-term protection.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment & U.S. Forest Service MOU

The U.S. Forest Service manages over 14.5 million acres of National Forest System lands in Colorado. Nearly 90% of these lands are located within watersheds contributing to public water supplies. Notably, more than 70% of Colorado’s surface water source areas include portions of these Forest System lands. This water ultimately supplies drinking water to approximately 80% of the state’s population—an estimated 4.5 million people.

In 2009, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S. Forest Service established a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize collaborative efforts in managing and protecting source water areas on National Forest System lands in Colorado. This agreement has been revised and renewed every five years to reflect evolving priorities and strengthen ongoing cooperation.
This MOU outlines strategies for:

  • Sharing data and information between agencies.
  • Coordinating drinking water protection efforts.
  • Identifying municipal supply watersheds.
  • Collaborating to reduce wildfire risk.
  • Supporting locally driven source water protection planning.