Colorado Water and the American West

In this class, students will study the rich history of water in Colorado and the American West, how native communities used it, and the American approach to water management. Students will gain foundational knowledge of Colorado’s history of water management, from indigenous practices to the modern-day complexities of the Colorado River Compact states and prior appropriation rights.

Upon completion of this course, you will gain a basic understanding of:

• A foundational understanding of the rich history of water in Colorado and the American West, from early indigenous communities, the effect of Spanish Colonization, to modern-day water management practices
• How John Wesley Powell influenced mapping western waterways
• The function of prior appropriation
• Reclamation and the Colorado River Compact
• Denver and Los Angeles waters
• Knowledge concepts such as prior appropriation and the Colorado River Compact, essential for understanding water management principles
• Conflicts and opportunities in western water management in relation to Native Americans
• The basic knowledge necessary for pursuing further  water studies or careers in water management, conservation, or policy.

• Growing concerns over water scarcity and the need for sustainable management practices, focusing on the American West.
• Escalating regulatory requirements to address water pollution and ensure water quality, reflecting the history of water management in the region.
• Rising awareness of the impact of climate change on water resources, including those governed by the Colorado River Compact.
• Continued urbanization and infrastructure development,which further highlights the importance ofdeveloping modern American water management strategies.
• Heightened recognition of the importance of water conservation efforts to preserve natural ecosystems, informed by waterway mapping studies.