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With future uncertain, Colorado shields its water

In this Dec. 8, 2014 photo, pedestrians pass through Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek joins the South Platte, a key channel in Colorado’s water supply, in Denver. Colorado is drawing up a strategy to protect some of the trillions of gallons of water that gushes out of the Rocky Mountains every spring as the snow melts, most of which flows into drought-stricken California and other states. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) In this Dec. 8, 2014 photo, pedestrians pass through Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek joins the South Platte, a key channel in Colorado’s water supply, in Denver. Colorado is drawing up a strategy to protect some of the trillions of gallons of water that gushes out of the Rocky Mountains every spring as the snow melts, most of which flows into drought-stricken California and other states. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

By Associated Press December 9, 2014 1 min read

DENVER (AP) – Colorado is drawing up a strategy to capture and protect some of the trillions of gallons of water that gushes out of the Rocky Mountains every spring.

Drought-stricken California and other states have legal claim to two-thirds of the water that flows from Colorado.

Colorado pledges to provide downstream states with every gallon they’re entitled to – but not a drop more.

A draft state water plan being submitted to Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday addresses Colorado’s growing population, its recreational economy and the environment.

Its authors say they want to ensure cities, farms and the environment have enough water amid drought and climate change.

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Colorado’s Water Plan draft: http://tinyurl.com/npaclrg