For homeowners across Mesa County, flood insurance just got a little lighter on the wallet. Thanks to a new certification approved this week, eligible residents can now receive a 15% discount on their flood insurance premiums.

It’s part of the Community Rating System, or CRS—a little-known but highly impactful program that quietly helps flood-conscious communities lower risk and reward responsibility.

Not just a discount—it’s about recognition

On Wednesday, Mesa County Commissioners ratified the county’s new standing in the CRS, officially locking in a Class 7 rating under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

What does that mean? In simple terms: Mesa County’s floodplain management efforts—think zoning, drainage, preparedness, and mitigation—are working. And now, they’re being recognized at the federal level.

That recognition translates to real savings.

Residents with federally-backed flood insurance policies can now expect a 15% reduction in their annual premiums. For some, that could mean hundreds of dollars in savings each year.

How the CRS works and why it matters

The Community Rating System is kind of like a report card for flood management. It rewards counties and cities for doing more than just the bare minimum.

Each participating community is assigned a class ranking from 1 to 10:

• Class 1 = 45% insurance discount

• Class 10 = No discount at all

Mesa County’s Class 7 places it firmly in the middle, which is solid considering the stringent criteria. Only a handful of Colorado counties currently rate better.

The system looks at things like:

• Floodplain mapping and management

• Drainage system maintenance

• Stormwater regulation

• Public outreach on flood risk

• Emergency response preparedness

It’s not a one-time thing, either. Communities have to keep up the work to maintain or improve their class ranking.

Flood risk is more local than you think

Many Mesa County residents don’t think of their home as sitting in a flood zone—but nature has other plans.

Back in 2011, sections of the Grand Valley saw heavy runoff damage following late snowmelt. More recently, in spring 2023, flash flooding in De Beque led to emergency evacuations. Mesa County isn’t immune.

And as climate patterns shift and become more erratic, even low-risk zones are seeing more insurance claims filed.

One local agent explained it like this: “People think flood insurance is only for those with riverfront property. It’s not. It’s for anyone with unpredictable weather above their roof.”

Who qualifies and how to get the discount

The 15% discount isn’t automatic, but it’s widely available. Homeowners must hold policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is the federal standard used by most insurance carriers.

If you’re unsure whether your insurer participates, just ask.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

And yes, this applies to both homeowners and business owners—basically anyone paying into the NFIP in Mesa County.

Residents react: relief and curiosity

Some local residents are welcoming the news with open arms—especially those in low-lying or flood-prone areas.

“I didn’t even know this was a thing,” said Kelly Rasmussen, who lives near the Colorado River. “Anything that saves me money and helps the county prepare better is a win.”

Others are still figuring out how it all works.

David Lowe, a Fruita resident, said he plans to call his insurance agent right away: “I always thought flood insurance was crazy expensive and probably not worth it for me. But with a discount like that? I’m rethinking it.”

County officials say it’s just the beginning

Mesa County leaders emphasized that this isn’t the end goal—it’s just the beginning of a broader push to become more flood-resilient.

A spokesperson from the Planning Division said more updates to stormwater infrastructure and public awareness campaigns are coming later this year. They also hinted at a potential push to reach Class 6 or better in the next CRS cycle.

“We’re committed to making Mesa County not just eligible for discounts, but safer overall,” the spokesperson said.

That means residents can expect:

• More accurate floodplain mapping

• Easier access to risk data

• Better communication about insurance options

• Proactive maintenance in known high-risk zones

And most of it won’t be visible—until it’s needed.