Orchard Mesa canal
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation are announcing nearly $12 million in funding to support the long-term health and sustainability of the Colorado River system through projects in Colorado.
“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. “By modernizing irrigation infrastructure, we’re conserving water, improving efficiency, and supporting resilient farming in western Colorado.”
The Orchard Mesa Irrigation District in Palisade, Colorado, will receive approximately $10.5 million to modernize and improve water delivery infrastructure. The project includes converting 8.4 miles of open canals into pressurized pipelines—enhancing water delivery efficiency, reducing irrigation water diversions by up to 6,900 acre-feet, and eliminating 2,560 acre-feet of annual water losses. These upgrades will also cut salinity loading in the Colorado River by 4,560 tons each year and improve system operations.
An additional $1.4 million will fund the installation of 50 new and upgraded flow meters, replacing outdated systems with advanced metering technology. This will enable real-time monitoring and more accurate water measurement, helping optimize allocation and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The Orchard Mesa Division of the Grand Valley Project, operated by the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, supplies Colorado River water to 9,219 acres of orchards, vineyards, vegetable fields, alfalfa, and small grains, as well as residential properties.
“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.”
Interior and Reclamation are committed to working intensely with representatives of the governors of all seven Colorado River Basin states and tribal nations within the basin to forge a sound water management plan for the river that will promote the prosperity of all 40 million people living in the Basin for generations to come.
