2024 IMPACT REPORT
OUR MISSION
We’re on a mission to ensure Coloradans are informed on water issues and equipped to make decisions that guide our state to a sustainable water future.
OUR VISION
A vibrant, sustainable, and water-aware Colorado
We envision a Colorado in which newcomers, long-time residents, and locals alike appreciate and understand water, and that people of all backgrounds and perspectives, in all localities, are learning, listening, engaging, and working together on collaborative water solutions.
We see a Colorado in which people make individual and institutional decisions and demonstrate thoughtful water stewardship in their behaviors and actions.
We see Water Education Colorado as an inspiring and authentic partner for water educators, water leaders, and water users, and whose audience is representative of the state’s demographic and geographic diversity.
2024 PROGRAM IMPACT
Leadership programs 185 reached Education programs 914 reached Water Educator 348 reached Network programs
2024 AT A GLANCE
164 Program Volunteers 781 Members and Donors 601,118 People reached through our website, social media, and news and publications
We all know water in Colorado is complex, but [Water Education Colorado] did a phenomenal job of really digging into the why and the how and the interplay of stakeholders in the space. It's just enough detail to have an informed conversation while keep it it out of the weeds, and there are resources provided if you want to dig in deeper. Thank you!
- Nikki, Water Fluency Alumna
NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
HEADWATERS MAGAZINE
In 2024 we published three successful issues on the topics of snow, industrial water use, and water 101:
• Spring 2024 – The Snow Issue
• Summer 2024 – The Industrial Water Use Issue
• Fall 2024 – Water 101
2024 Headwaters combined reach
AN INDEPENDENT, NONPARTISAN NEWS SERVICE ON WESTERN WATER
This year, Fresh Water News Editor Jerd Smith joined forces with Colorado journalists from The Colorado Sun, Aspen Journalism, KUNC, and the CU Water Desk to produce a five-part series exploring myths and misconceptions about Colorado water. Dedicated to providing comprehensive, statewide coverage, Fresh Water News remains free and accessible to all readers.
WEBINARS & TALKS
One Water Demystified Aired February 2024 | 69 participants
Know Your Snow Aired April 2024 | 365 participants
Headwaters LIVE: The Water/Energy
Nexus Adapting for the Future October 2024
FACT SHEETS
One-page fact sheets, available at conferences, events, through partners, and online, provide quick, need-to-know background information on Colorado water topics.
21 WAYS TO CARE FOR COLORADO WATER
In 2024, WEco updated the 22 Ways to Care for Colorado Water materials from the Water ‘22 campaign (running from January through December 2022). Building on feedback that this content was impactful, a working group of original contributors and new representatives guided a revision process, resulting in the 21 Ways to Care for Colorado Water.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
SUSTAINING COLORADO WATERSHEDS
The annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference (SCW) is a unquie opportunity to expand cooperation and collaboration amoung the environmental, utilities, agriculture, and politcal spheres, and so much more. For the past 14 years, the conference has been collaboratively organized by Water Education Colorado, the Colorado watersged Assembly, and the Colorado Riparian Association. 259 people attended the SCW conference in 2024.
WATER LEADERS PROGRAM
TAKING LEADERS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
TOURS
WEco has graduated 262 Water Leaders
Among the 52 participants of the tour, we had representation from state legislators, water professionals, state and federal employees, and engaged community members.
100% OF ATTENDEES
SAID THE TOUR HAD A HIGH OR VERY HIGH VALUE
84% OF ATTENDEES REPORTED THAT THE TOUR INCREASED THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF PERSPECTIVES, PRIORITY PROJECTS, AND PROGRAMS
WATER FLUENCY PROGRAM
10 YEARS OF WATER FLUENCY: UNDERSTANDING THE CULTURE, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE OF WATER MANAGEMENT
WEco has graduated 300 Water Fluency participants
