Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association

Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association The Uncompahgrey Valley Water Users project includes over 80,000 acres of land located in Montrose a The UVWUA quickly ran out of funds.

The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association was developed in 1902 to organize a plan to divert the Gunnison River into the valley. However, the Federal Government was also interested in getting water into the valley and provided the funds. In 1903 the Uncompahgre Project was the first major project approved by the Secretary of the Interior under the Reclamation Act. The diversion dam in the Gun

nison River allows the water to flow into the Uncompahgre Valley through the Gunnison Tunnel. Drilling the tunnel began in 1904 and was completed in 1909. The tunnel is 5.8 miles long from the East Portal in the Black Canyon to the West Portal where the canal emerges into the valley. The irrigation water had an immediate positive impact on agriculture in the valley. The land became more productive allowing an increase in the yield of commodities. This is a United States Government Project, but in 1927, the Bureau of Reclamation turned the tunnel and irrigation system over to the UVWUA as operating agents under a repayment contract. In 1948 the Bureau opened more land for irrigation and reclassified some of the land already in the project. The employees of the Bureau mapped out these changes and classifications. At that time the UVWUA entered into a new contract with the Bureau. We are still using these excellent maps from 1948 and operating under the 1948 contract to deliver irrigation water.

OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY MAY 25TH 2026
05/20/2026

OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY MAY 25TH 2026

https://montrosecounty.net/891/West-Slope-Water-Summit MID YEAR WEST SLOPE WATER SUMMIT 05/19/2026Have you registered fo...
04/29/2026

https://montrosecounty.net/891/West-Slope-Water-Summit

MID YEAR WEST SLOPE WATER SUMMIT 05/19/2026
Have you registered for the Mid-Year West Slipper Water Summit on Tuesday May 19th? Don’t miss this opportunity to join community leaders, experts, and stakeholders for important conversations about the future of water in our region. The event is free to the public, but registration is required. We hope to see you there!

Montrose County is committed to providing equitable access to our services and communications for all users. Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines are designed to make technol...

04/16/2026

CP SIPHON UPDATE: THE NEW PIPE IS IN THE GROUND AND WE WILL BEGIN FLOW FILLING TODAY. SHOULD BE ABLE TO START CHARGING THE LINE ON 4/17

04/03/2026

CP SIPHON IS CURRENTLY DOWN 4/3/2026
TRAFFIC IS REROUTED 5580 ROAD TO JASMINE. CREWS ON SCENE

03/25/2026
03/18/2026

NOTICE TO PUMP USERS: MEASURING DEVICE REQUIREMENT

The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA) is implementing a new pump program requiring all pumps diverting water from UVWUA ditches and canals to be equipped with a water measuring device. All pumped diversions must be properly measured to ensure that water use remains within the limits of the water shares allocated to each user. It is the responsibility of the pump owner to install and maintain a measuring device capable of accurately recording the volume of water being diverted. Beginning immediately, any pump found operating without a measuring device will receive a written notice requiring the installation of an approved device within fifteen (15) days of the date of the letter. If a measuring device is not installed within the time frame, pumping privileges may be suspended and the pump may be locked or removed at the owners expense.
If you have any questions regarding approved measuring devices or installation requirements, please contact the UVWUA office. Our staff will be happy to assist you. Thank you for your cooperation l.

03/16/2026

First 1/2 assessments, minimum assessments and rented water payments with signed contracts are to the office by April 1st. WATER WILL NOT BE DELIVERED ON UNPAID ACCOUNTS

03/11/2026

UVWUA crew members found a very distinctive set of keys South of Montrose on the Highway 550 Frontage Road. If you are missing your keys, please call the office 970.249.3813 and describe them to staff and we will hold them for you until you can pick them up.

03/05/2026

We will start running a small amount of water through the Gunnison Tunnel this weekend. This is only for priming the system for the irrigation season. This water will NOT be coming out of any of our irrigation pools.

03/03/2026

Our office will be closed Wednesday March 4th 2026 from 12 PM to 1PM for a Mandatory Staff Meeting

Address

601 N. Park
Montrose, CO
81401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(970) 249-3813

Website

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