Miners and ranchers may have put Colorado’s economy on the map, but industries such as aerospace, finance, and outdoor recreation are diversifying the economic portfolio of the business-friendly state.

From small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, it’s clear that companies of all shapes and sizes want to operate, expand and invest in the Centennial State. The high quality of life is no secret, and it remains a top reason why Colorado has had one of the fastest-growing populations over the past decade. However, with growth comes added stress on its infrastructure. And one area where this is most apparent is the state’s blue infrastructure: water.

Businesses are starting to take note of the state’s water resources and the challenges facing western states. Climate change, drought, wildfires and population growth are stressing its water systems as never before. Record-low water levels made national headlines this year, leading to the first federally declared water shortage in the Colorado River Basin. In addition, outdated water policies have led to inefficient use of our resources and politically charged debates over who has control of water, often pitting Western Slope against Front Range.

Just how valuable is the Colorado River to the state? A 2014 study from Arizona State University measured the river’s economic impact and found that if Colorado River water was no longer available to residents, businesses, industry and agriculture for just one year, nearly 60 percent of Colorado’s gross state product — $189 billion — would be lost. More than 2 million jobs would also be gone, with the hardest-hit private sectors being healthcare and social services; professional, scientific and technical services; finance and insurance; retail trade; and real estate and rental.

Businesses need water to operate, whether to make a beverage, manufacture computer parts, irrigate a baseball field or lead a fly-fishing expedition. An unpredictable water supply puts operations — and the state’s economic growth — at risk, so how can they improve water security to ensure continued success?

Read the full article about Colorado's water security by Vanessa Vaughn at GreenBiz.