A presentation by: 

Seth Mason, Principal Hydrologist at Lotic Hydrological and Ph.D. Candidate at Colorado State University 

The Upper Colorado River Commission identifies voluntary and compensated reductions in consumptive water use as an important tool for managing Colorado River water supplies in the face of a drying climate and falling water levels in Lake Powell. Water leasing programs are also an important tool for watershed groups like the Roaring Fork Conservancy working to meet local environmental flow targets. However, participation rates in water conservation programs remain low locally and regionally. Seth Mason will share insights from research activities conducted in the Roaring Fork Watershed and across Colorado's West Slope that probe the factors that limit water conservation program participation rates and attempt to identify opportunities for increasing the appeal and effectiveness of future water conservation programs.