2025 West Slope Water Summit - Troubled Waters

MONTROSE, CO – Registration for Western Colorado’s premier water-focused event is now open! Join Montrose County, the Colorado River District, and the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association for the 7th Annual West Slope Water Summit: Troubled Water on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Montrose County Event Center (1036 North 7th Street).

This half-day water summit brings together some of the region’s most respected voices on water to explore pressing issues facing the Western Slope, including water scarcity, infrastructure, conservation, and future planning.

“This year’s theme, Troubled Water2, reflects the growing urgency to address the complex challenges impacting our water supply,” said Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen. “Whether you’ve lived in the valley for generations or just moved here, we all have a role in understanding and protecting our most critical resource.”

Featured Speakers:

Raquel Flinker, Colorado River District – Director of Interstate and Regional Water Resources

Andy Mueller, Colorado River District – Regional water outlook and policy insights

Steve Pope, Water Management Expert – Infrastructure and innovation in water systems

Nick Emmendorfer, PE & Luke Gingerich, PE, Civil Engineers – Engineering solutions for agricultural and municipal water use

Steve Hale, Water Policy Analyst – Navigating regulatory challenges and opportunities

Montrose FFA Student Presentations

Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with presentations beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. Admission to the West Slope Water Summit is free, however advanced registration is required. To register, please visit www.westslopewatersummit.com. A livestream will also be available for remote attendees.

Immediately following the West Slope Water Summit, the public is welcome to attend the Western Colorado Farm & Ranch Innovation Expo which begins Thursday November 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Montrose County Event Center. The Expo is a showcase of the latest technologies, tools, and equipment designed to support Western Colorado’s agricultural producers. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with vendors and innovators who are reshaping the future of water use in farming and ranching and admission is free.

Steve Hale, Shavano Conservation District Board President, explains the Western Colorado Farm and Ranch Innovation Expo, “is all about bringing practical, forward-thinking solutions directly to the people who grow our food and steward our land. From water conservation strategies to the latest in livestock management tools and ag-tech, this event is a hands-on opportunity for producers to see what’s working — and what’s next.”

For event information and questions about the Water Summit, please visit westslopewatersummit.com or call (970) 252-4508.