How Will Gov. Hickenlooper Be Judged Over His Water Initiatives?

Gov. John Hickenlooper leaves office on Jan. 8 after eight years as governor. He may be best remembered for guiding the state through its growing pains over the legalization of recreational marijuana, but he leaves another legacy as well: water. In a fast-growing state that places greater demands on its water supply each day, a state that regularly faces withering droughts, Hickenlooper has spent his eight years in office navigating water issues and leading the development of a state water plan that Denver's chief water official calls a "real act of political courage." But not everyone believes the governor has made all the right choices on water.