Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District was established in 1959 by local taxpayers to protect and manage the water resources of the Upper Gunnison River Basin in south central Colorado. Located at the headwaters of the Gunnison River, the District leads conservation, augmentation, and management efforts that support the region’s communities, economy, agriculture, recreation, and environment while opposing new upstream transbasin diversions above Blue Mesa Dam and promoting responsible land use policies.

Guided by science and long-term stewardship, the District works to balance irrigation, municipal and industrial uses, flood control, and ecological health while maintaining high water quality standards. Actively engaged in statewide water planning and collaborative partnerships, the District advocates for Western Slope interests and develops adaptive strategies to address climate change, drought, and future water challenges for generations to come.