The beginning of 2026 has been alarmingly dry. Irrigation wells that typically do not begin pumping until April have already been running since late January, and long-term forecasts indicate continued drought conditions.

The Board of Directors of the Republican River Water Conservation District (RRWCD) would like to remind irrigated agricultural producers of the upcoming changes to the RRWCD Water Use Fee structure, which is used to fund Republican River Compact compliance efforts.

Under the revised fee structure, 50% of the total fee will be based on irrigated acreage, and 50% will be based on the volume of water pumped. These fees support essential District obligations, including operation of the Compact Compliance Pipeline and supplemental payments for water conservation contracts through FSA and NRCS programs.

The water usage portion of the fee will be calculated using a four-year rolling average. The new fee structure takes effect in 2030, with collection beginning in spring 2031. At that time, water pumped in 2026 will be included in your four-year average calculation.

Until the new fee structure is implemented, the current fee of $30 per irrigated acre will remain in effect. The RRWCD does not anticipate any changes to the Water Use Fee prior to 2030.

For more information, contact an RRWCD Board member, the District office at 970-332-3552, or Deb Daniel, General Manager, at 970-630-3525