Congressman Hurd Introduces Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act to Restore Critical Water Source for Ouray
On November 5, Congressman
Rep. Jeff Hurd (CO-03) introduced the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act, legislation that transfers Crystal Reservoir and approximately 45 acres of surrounding federal land from the U.S. Forest Service to the City of Ouray.
The U.S. Forest Service drained the reservoir in 2024, leaving the city and local agricultural producers without a critical water supply. This bill enables Ouray to take ownership, repair Full Moon Dam, and refill the reservoir—restoring an essential water source, wildfire response asset, and beloved recreation destination.
“Crystal Reservoir has served Ouray for over 90 years, providing essential water storage, supporting wildfire response, and offering recreation opportunities families treasure,” said Rep. Hurd. “Ouray is ready to take on the responsibility of restoring it. This legislation allows local leaders to repair the dam and ensure this resource serves the community for generations to come.”
The conveyance occurs at no cost to the city in exchange for assuming all future costs and liability. The bill includes strong protections for:
• Permanent free public access for recreation, fishing, and trails
• No commercial development except for dam operations
• Land maintained as open space in perpetuity
• Compliance with Colorado water law
• Reversionary clause if terms are violated
The legislation is supported by the City of Ouray, Towns of Ridgway and Silverton, Ouray and San Juan Counties, Ouray County Sheriff, Colorado River District, Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, Trust for Land Restoration, Ouray Trail Group, and numerous local organizations.
"THANK YOU, Representative Hurd, for your thoughtful questions and for visiting Crystal Reservoir with City of Ouray Mayor Funk, Councilor Gulde, Ouray County Sheriff Perry, Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer, and Public Works Director Joe Coleman. Your support for critical water infrastructure, which is essential to our public safety, water security, recreation, and our ability to thrive, is greatly appreciated! I am grateful that you asked tough questions.
I'm grateful this has been introduced in the House with bill text identical to that introduced in the Senate. It is truly a bipartisan initiative and for the sake of public safety and water security I hope the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act can break speed records to get to the President's desk."
People can show their support for getting Crystal Lake repaired and refilled by signing the petition at
www.savecrystallake.org.Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett