As Colorado’s water challenges continue to intensify, the conversations around how we share, manage and protect this limited resource are becoming more complex — and more urgent. From persistent drought and climate variability to population growth and evolving ecological needs, water professionals across the state are grappling with difficult questions about scarcity and competing demands.
To help advance these conversations, the Colorado Chapter of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA‑CO) and the Colorado Ground Water Association (CGWA) are once again excited to co‑host their annual symposium on May 1, 2026, at the Mount Vernon Canyon Club. This year’s theme, “Flowing Tensions: Navigating Water Scarcity and Competing Demands,” reflects the realities facing Colorado’s water community and the need for thoughtful, inclusive dialogue as we chart a path forward.
The annual Symposium brings together water managers, researchers, consultants, regulators, attorneys, students and other practitioners from across the state for a full day of engaging and educational technical content. Against the backdrop of the Front Range foothills, the event provides space to step back from day‑to‑day demands and focus on the bigger picture: how do we balance agricultural, municipal, industrial, recreational and environmental water needs in an increasingly constrained system?
As the theme suggests, this year’s program will explore the points of tension that arise when water is scarce — and the innovative approaches being used to navigate them. Presentations and discussions will highlight real‑world case studies, emerging tools, and collaborative efforts aimed at managing tradeoffs, reducing conflict, and building resilience across Colorado’s diverse watersheds. By examining where and why these tensions arise, the Symposium aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead and the opportunities for creative problem‑solving.
In addition to technical sessions, the Symposium will offer multiple opportunities for networking and connection throughout the day. Informal conversations during session breaks and lunch often prove just as valuable as the presentations themselves, allowing attendees to share perspectives, compare experiences, and strengthen professional relationships across disciplines and regions.
The event will begin with breakfast at the Mount Vernon Canyon Club, providing a welcoming setting for participants to connect with colleagues before diving into the day’s programming. The morning session will begin with an update from Water Education Colorado (WEco) about the organizations new strategic plan and upcoming happenings including outreach events with Spanish-speaking partner organizations, translated community guides, upcoming issues of Headwaters magazine, Water Fluency, and the Annual River Basin Tour, this year in the South Platte Basin.
The morning session will feature a keynote presentation from Amy Ostdiek, who will offer an update on the status of Colorado River negotiations and operations, providing timely insight into one of the most complex and consequential water management challenges facing the West.
Throughout the day, water professionals will give talks related to climate change, water supply planning, emergency response planning, and groundwater management. In the afternoon, the Symposium will highlight the people behind the work through a Women in Water panel, where several prominent women from across the industry will share career highlights, lessons learned, and perspectives on leadership and professional growth. As in past years, the Symposium is designed to be both rigorous and accessible, encouraging participation from seasoned professionals and those newer to the water field alike.
The day will conclude with a happy hour and silent auction, with proceeds benefiting AWRA‑CO and CGWA scholarship funds to support the next generation of water professionals.
Symposium registration is open on both the AWRA and CGWA websites. Registration spots are filling up quickly, so anyone interested is encouraged to register soon. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
CGWA and AWRA are nonprofit organizations committed to advancing the knowledge and understanding of groundwater hydrology and water resources. Both organizations work to support the education of future groundwater and water resource professionals, each providing annual scholarships to Colorado students in their respective fields.
Join us for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration as we examine the growing tensions around water scarcity in the West and navigate competing demands to shape a resilient, sustainable, and equitable water future.
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