Don Magnuson attended Biola University and Colorado State University. He worked for Cache la Poudre Management Company for more than 25 years as a water technician and office manager before becoming superintendent. He managed several canal systems in the Cache la Poudre River basin. He also has been the General Manager of the Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company in Cortez, Colo. 

Magnuson’s interest in water began when he was a boy listening to his father and uncles discuss water issues. His father built spreader dams and Magnuson tried to follow his example. 

Magnuson spends his spare time pursuing agricultural interests, owns a ranching operation and has owned a commercial feeding business. He and his wife, Jeanette, live in Eaton. They have two daughters, Regina and Kimberly.