C.R.S. § 37-92-308 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 92 / Part 3 / Section 37-92-308
37-92-308. Substitute water supply plans - special procedures for review - water adjudicati
Status: repealed

37-92-308. Substitute water supply plans - special procedures for review - water adjudication cash fund - legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:

(a) There are certain circumstances under which the time required to go through the water court adjudication process can be problematic for some water users. Prior to January 1, 2002, substitute water supply plans had come into common usage for a number of water users, and based on this precedent, it appears desirable to establish some additional authority for the state engineer to approve substitute water supply plans.

(b) Prior to January 1, 2002, the general assembly gave the state engineer certain authority to approve exchanges and substitute water supply plans, including substitute water supply plans involving sand and gravel mines approved pursuant to sections 37-90-137 (11) and 37-80-120 (5); exchanges pursuant to sections 37-80-120, 37-83-104, and 37-83-106, and other statutes authorizing exchanges; and water uses that are part of the Arkansas river water bank pilot program approved pursuant to article 80.5 of this title; and this section shall not apply to such plans and exchanges.

(c) (I) Prior to January 1, 2003, the general assembly gave the state engineer administrative authority to regulate wells upon promulgation of rules for a river basin or aquifer, subject to the review of the water judge as provided in section 37-92-501 (3). The general assembly hereby ratifies the amended rules governing the diversion and use of tributary groundwater in the Arkansas river basin of Colorado, as approved by the water judge for water division 2, that became effective on June 1, 1996.

(II) On and after January 1, 2003, the state engineer shall have the authority in water division 2 to promulgate and amend well administration rules pursuant to sections 37-80-104 and 37-92-501 that include the authority to approve replacement plans that allow the continuing operation of wells causing out-of-priority depletions without requiring a plan for augmentation approved by the water judge.

(III) On and after January 1, 2003, the state engineer shall not have any authority in water division 1 to approve plans for, or to otherwise allow, the operation of wells, including augmentation wells, that cause out-of-priority depletions unless the wells are operated in accordance with plans for augmentation approved by the water judge or as allowed in this section.

(2) In addition to the authority previously granted to the state engineer, listed in subsection (1) of this section, the state engineer is authorized to review and approve substitute water supply plans only under the circumstances and pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section.

(3) (a) To provide sufficient time to fully integrate certain wells into the water court adjudication process for augmentation plans, during 2003, 2004, and 2005, the state engineer may approve annual substitute water supply plans for wells operating in the South Platte river basin that have been operating pursuant to substitute water supply plans approved before 2003, or for augmentation wells, using the procedures and standards set forth in this subsection (3). After December 31, 2005, all such wells shall comply with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section in order to continue operation under a substitute water supply plan. The general assembly finds that this three-year period is a sufficient amount of time to develop augmentation plan applications for these wells, and there shall be no subsequent extensions of this deadline. Beginning January 1, 2006, groundwater diversions from all such wells shall be continuously curtailed unless the wells are included in a plan for augmentation approved by the water judge for water division 1, are included in a substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, or can be operated under their own priorities without augmentation.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2003, the state engineer may approve the operation of a well described in paragraph (a) of this subsection (3) under a substitute water supply plan if the following conditions are met:

(I) The well is tributary to the South Platte river, has been included in a substitute water supply plan previously approved by the state engineer or is an augmentation well, and is included in a new written request for approval of a substitute water supply plan filed with the state engineer after January 1 of each calendar year from 2003 to 2005. The written request shall be signed by a person with legal authority to represent all of the owners of the wells subject to the request and shall contain acknowledgments that the operation of all wells in the substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (3) shall cease no later than December 31, 2005, and that the wells shall be included in an application for approval of a plan for augmentation filed in the district court for water division 1 no later than December 31, 2005, in order to continue subsequent pumping, unless the wells can be operated under their own priorities without augmentation. The request shall also identify for each well, including any augmentation wells: The permit number and location; the projected use and volume of pumping; for all wells using the modified Blaney-Criddle method to determine consumptive use, the projected number of acres and crops to be irrigated; the anticipated stream depletions that affect the river after October 31, 2002, until eighteen months after the date of the request in time, location, and amount, including a detailed description of how such depletions were calculated, and shall list the identity, priority, location, and amount of all replacement water sources to be used to replace stream depletions, including both accretions and depletions attributable to any augmentation wells. Upon the request of any party who has subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for water division 1, the applicant for a substitute water supply plan shall also provide the model used to calculate stream depletions and the assumptions, input data, and output data used by the applicant in such model.

(II) The applicant has provided written notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan by first-class mail or electronic mail to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for water division 1, and proof of such notice is filed with the state engineer. The applicant shall also provide a complete copy of the request and all accompanying information by e-mail to all parties that have provided e-mail addresses for said notification list.

(III) The state engineer has given the owners of water rights and decreed conditional water rights thirty-five days after the date of mailing of such notice to file comments on the substitute water supply plan. Such comments shall include any claim of injury, any terms and conditions that should be imposed upon the plan to prevent injury to a party's water rights or decreed conditional water rights, and any other information the opposer wishes the state engineer to consider in reviewing the substitute water supply plan request.

(IV) The state engineer, after consideration of the comments, has determined that the operation and administration of such plan will replace all out-of-priority stream depletions in time, location, and amount in a manner that will prevent injury to other water rights and decreed conditional water rights, including water quality and continuity to meet the requirements of use to which the senior appropriation has normally been put pursuant to section 37-80-120 (3), and will not impair compliance with the South Platte river compact. The state engineer shall impose such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that these standards are met. In making the determinations specified in this subparagraph (IV), the state engineer shall hold a public hearing to address the issues. The public hearing shall be held no sooner than thirty-five days and no later than forty-nine days after the date of mailing of notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be provided no later than twenty-one days prior to the hearing to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for water division 1. At the hearing, every party shall be allotted a reasonable amount of time by the state engineer to present its case or defense by oral and documentary evidence and to conduct cross examination. At its own expense, any party may cause the hearing to be recorded by a court reporter or by an electronic recording device. Additionally, in making the determinations specified in this subparagraph (IV), the state engineer shall use the standards listed in paragraph (c) of this subsection (3) for evaluating such plans. It is the legislative intent that the adoption of these standards is only an interim compromise, to give greater certainty to senior surface water users in Colorado than past practices of the state engineer have given, until augmentation plans for these wells have been approved by the water judge for water division 1 and final determinations about the methodologies for calculating the amount and timing of stream depletions have been made by the water judge. These interim standards shall not create any presumptions, shift the burden of proof, or serve as a defense in any application for approval of a plan for augmentation.

(c) (I) For those irrigation wells where diversions are actually measured using water meters or verified power conversion measurements, the presumed amount of consumptive use from wells used for flood irrigation shall not be less than fifty percent of diversions, and the presumed amount of consumptive use from wells used for sprinkler irrigation shall not be less than seventy-five percent of diversions. For those irrigation wells where diversions are not actually measured, the state engineer shall determine the amount of stream depletions using actual data for the crops grown, acres irrigated, surface water deliveries, and the modified Blaney-Criddle method.

(II) The state engineer shall determine the timing of all stream depletions caused by pumping wells included in the plan using the United States geological survey stream depletion factor method for all areas covered by such factors. In other areas, the state engineer shall use appropriate groundwater models or other methods acceptable to the state engineer, based on the location of the well, the rate of pumping, the use being made of the groundwater, and the aquifer characteristics.

(III) A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (3) shall require replacement of the following out-of-priority stream depletions that result from the pumping of wells in the plan: Out-of-priority stream depletions that affect the river after October 31, 2002, from pumping that took place after January 1, 1974, but before the date of the request; and those out-of-priority stream depletions that will affect the river for the eighteen months after the date of the request; except that out-of-priority stream depletions affecting the river from November 1, 2002, through June 15, 2003, may be remedied pursuant to agreements with all injured parties that are noticed in the request and approved as a part of the substitute water supply plan or an amendment thereto. The amount of such depletions shall be separately set forth in any plan approval issued by the state engineer. A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (3) shall require that the state engineer curtail all diversions, the out-of-priority depletions from which are not replaced as required by the plan.

(IV) Existing surface water rights may be used as a replacement water source in plans requested pursuant to this subsection (3), even if such rights have not been decreed for such use, but the substitute water supply plan shall prevent expanded use of such rights by imposing appropriate limitations, including, where appropriate, volumetric limitations on direct flow rights and shall require replacement of the historical return flows, including ditch seepage losses, from the use of such surface water rights in the time, location, and amount in which they occurred so that other water rights will not be injured. A request seeking to use existing surface water rights that have not been decreed for augmentation use shall include a calculation of the historical diversions and return flows, including estimated ditch seepage losses, attributable to such rights. The presumed amount of on-farm consumptive use from irrigation water rights shall not be more than fifty percent of the amount delivered to the farms; except that if a water court application has been filed and the proposed change of water right is approved as a separate substitute water supply plan pursuant to this section, such water rights shall be used in accordance with their own substitute water supply plan.

(V) Replacement water deliveries required by the substitute water supply plan shall be provided at the time and location necessary to satisfy the lawful requirements of a senior diverter. In determining the adequacy of the substitute water supply plan to prevent injury to water rights and decreed conditional water rights, the state engineer shall determine the amount of replacement water required for and available to the plan based upon current and projected hydrologic conditions.

(VI) If a substitute water supply plan covers wells, including augmentation wells, that are also covered by a decreed plan for augmentation or a separate substitute water supply plan, the accounting methodologies required by the decree or the separate plan shall control.

(VII) Substitute water supply plans that include or allow the use of augmentation wells shall include the terms and conditions needed to account for and replace all out-of-priority stream depletions that will result from their use, including post-pumping depletions. Beginning January 1, 2006, groundwater diversions from all such augmentation wells shall be continuously curtailed unless the wells are included in a plan for augmentation approved by the water judge for water division 1, a substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, or can be operated under their own priorities without augmentation.

(VIII) If amendments, including but not limited to the addition of more wells or the addition of different replacement water sources, are proposed to a substitute water supply plan after the initial written notice of the plan was given, the notice, comment, and hearing process described in this paragraph (c) shall be repeated for such amendments. If, in the opinion of the state engineer, an amendment is necessary to prevent immediate injury to other water rights that will occur prior to the expiration of the thirty-five-day comment period provided in subparagraph (III) of paragraph (b) of this subsection (3), the thirty-five-day comment period shall be shortened to fourteen days, the public hearing shall be held no later than twenty-eight days after the date of the mailing of notice of the request for the amendment, and the amendment may be implemented before the comment deadline and the public hearing. For amendments implemented prior to a public hearing, the state engineer shall issue a decision approving or denying the amendment no later than seven days after the conclusion of the public hearing. The state engineer may revoke or further condition the approval of any amendment after the comment and hearing process.

(IX) A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (3) shall include a requirement for monthly accounting to be compiled for every month of each year. Such accounting shall state the amount and location of the calculated depletions from all wells included in the plan, the amount, location, and source of all replacement water actually provided, and shall describe any other plan operations for that month. After the end of the water year, and no later than December 31 of each calendar year of plan operation, an annual accounting of all actual plan operations for the previous water year shall be compiled. Copies of both the monthly and annual accounting shall be provided to all parties that filed written comments concerning the plan pursuant to subparagraph (II) of paragraph (b) of this subsection (3).

(d) A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (3) shall not be approved for a period of more than one year; except that an applicant may request the renewal of a plan by repeating the application process described in this subsection (3); except that in no case shall a plan approved pursuant to this subsection (3) be renewed beyond December 31, 2005.

(e) When the state engineer approves or denies a substitute water supply plan, the state engineer shall serve a copy of the decision on all parties to the application by first-class mail or, if such parties have so elected, by electronic mail. Every decision of the state engineer shall provide a detailed statement of the basis and rationale for the decision, including a complete explanation of how all stream depletions were calculated, the location where they occur, how all replacement water sources were quantified, and what terms and conditions were imposed to prevent injury to other water rights and why they were imposed. The decision shall also include a description of the consideration given to any written comments that were filed by other parties. Neither the approval nor the denial by the state engineer shall create any presumptions, shift the burden of proof, or serve as a defense in any legal action that may be initiated concerning the substitute water supply plan. Any appeal of a decision made by the state engineer concerning a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (3) shall be made to the water judge in water division 1 within thirty-five days after the date of service of the decision. The water judge shall hear and determine such appeal using the procedures and standards set forth in sections 37-92-304 and 37-92-305 for determination of matters rereferred to the water judge by the referee. The proponent of the substitute water supply plan shall be deemed to be the applicant for purposes of application of such procedures and standards. The filing fee for the appeal shall be two hundred seventy-one dollars for the proponent of the substitute water supply plan and seventy dollars for any other party to the appeal. Moneys from such fee shall be transmitted to the state treasurer and deposited in the water adjudication cash fund, which fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The general assembly shall appropriate moneys in the fund for the judicial department's adjudications pursuant to this subsection (3).

(f) The state engineer may accept for filing and consideration a written request for approval of a substitute water supply plan prior to April 30, 2003, subject to such request meeting all requirements of this subsection (3) prior to the date of approval. No approval of such request may be issued prior to April 30, 2003.

(g) Repealed.

(4) (a) Beginning January 1, 2002, if an application for approval of a plan for augmentation, rotational crop management contract, or change of water right has been filed with a water court and the court has not issued a decree, the state engineer may approve the temporary operation of such plan, contract, or change of water right as a substitute water supply plan if the following conditions are met:

(I) The water court applicant has filed a request for approval of the substitute water supply plan with the state engineer;

(II) The applicant has provided written notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan by first-class mail or electronic mail to all parties who have filed a statement of opposition to the plan in water court and proof of such notice is filed with the state engineer, or, if the deadline for filing a statement of opposition has not passed, the applicant has provided written notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan by first-class mail or electronic mail to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for the water division in which the proposed plan is located and proof of such notice is filed with the state engineer;

(III) The state engineer has given those to whom notice was provided thirty-five days after the date of mailing of the notice to file comments on the substitute water supply plan. The comments must include any claim of injury, any terms and conditions that should be imposed upon the plan to prevent injury to an opposer's water rights or decreed conditional water rights, and any other information an opposer wishes the state engineer to consider in reviewing the substitute water supply plan request.

(IV) (A) The state engineer, after consideration of the comments received, has determined that the operation and administration of such plan will replace all out-of-priority depletions in time, location, and amount and will otherwise prevent injury to other water rights and decreed conditional water rights, including water quality and continuity to meet the requirements of use to which the senior appropriation has normally been put, pursuant to section 37-80-120 (3), and will not impair compliance with any interstate compacts.

(B) Notwithstanding any limitations regarding phreatophytes or impermeable surfaces that would otherwise apply pursuant to section 37-92-103 (9) or 37-92-501 (4)(b)(III), for any precipitation harvesting pilot project selected pursuant to section 37-60-115 (6) that has filed an application for a permanent augmentation plan in water court, the applicant shall fully augment any precipitation captured out of priority; except that, in determining the quantity of water required for the substitute water supply plan to replace out-of-priority stream depletions, there is no requirement to replace the amount of historic natural depletion to the waters of the state, if any, caused by preexisting natural vegetative cover evapotranspiration for the surface areas made impermeable and associated with the pilot project. The applicant may use applicable regional factors established pursuant to section 37-60-115 (6)(b)(VI). As a condition of approving a substitute water supply plan for a pilot project pursuant to this subsection (4), the state engineer shall have the authority to require the project sponsor to replace any ongoing delayed depletions after the water use plan associated with a precipitation harvesting pilot project has ceased.

(C) The state engineer shall impose such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that these standards are met. In making such determinations, the state engineer shall not be required to hold any formal hearings or conduct any other formal proceedings, but may conduct a hearing or formal proceeding if the state engineer finds it necessary to address the issues.

(b) A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (4) shall not be approved for a period of more than one year; except that an applicant may request the renewal of a plan by repeating the application process described in this subsection (4). If an applicant requests a renewal of a plan that would extend the plan past three years from the initial date of approval, the applicant shall demonstrate to the state engineer that the delay in obtaining a water court decree is justifiable and that not being able to continue operating under a substitute water supply plan until a decree is entered will cause undue hardship to the applicant. A project sponsor for a precipitation harvesting pilot project selected pursuant to section 37-60-115 (6) shall demonstrate to the state engineer that an additional year of operation under the plan is necessary to obtain sufficient data to meet the Colorado water conservation board's criteria for evaluating the pilot project. If an applicant requests renewal of a plan that would extend the plan past five years from the initial date of approval, the applicant shall demonstrate to the water judge in the applicable water division that the delay in obtaining a decree has been justifiable and that not being able to continue operating under a substitute water supply plan until a decree is entered will cause undue hardship to the applicant. Approval of a plan pursuant to subsection (5) of this section shall be deemed to be approval under this subsection (4) for purposes of calculating the number of years since the initial date of approval.

(c) When the state engineer approves or denies a substitute water supply plan, the state engineer shall serve a copy of the decision on all parties to the pending water court application by electronic mail, or, if a party has elected, by first-class mail. Neither the approval nor the denial by the state engineer shall create any presumptions, shift the burden of proof, or serve as a defense in the pending water court case or any other legal action that may be initiated concerning the substitute water supply plan. Any appeal of a decision made by the state engineer concerning a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (4) shall be to the water judge of the applicable water division within thirty days and shall be consolidated with the application for approval of the plan for augmentation.

(5) (a) Beginning January 1, 2002, for new water use plans involving out-of-priority diversions or a change of water right, if no application for approval of a plan for augmentation or a change of water right has been filed with a water court and the water use plan or change proposed and the depletions associated with such water use plan or change will be for a limited duration not to exceed five years, except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (II) of paragraph (b) of this subsection (5), the state engineer may approve such plan or change as a substitute water supply plan if the following conditions are met:

(I) The applicant has filed a request for approval of the substitute water supply plan with the state engineer;

(II) The applicant has provided written notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan by first-class mail or electronic mail to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for the water division in which the proposed plan is located and proof of such notice is filed with the state engineer;

(III) The state engineer has given the owners of water rights and decreed conditional water rights thirty-five days after the date of mailing of such notice to file comments on the substitute water supply plan. Such comments shall include any claim of injury or any terms and conditions that should be imposed upon the plan to prevent injury to a party's water rights or decreed conditional water rights and any other information the opposer wishes the state engineer to consider in reviewing the substitute water supply plan request.

(IV) (A) The state engineer, after consideration of the comments received, has determined that the operation and administration of such plan will replace all out-of-priority depletions in time, location, and amount and will otherwise prevent injury to other water rights and decreed conditional water rights, including water quality and continuity to meet the requirements of use to which the senior appropriation has normally been put, pursuant to section 37-80-120 (3), and will not impair compliance with any interstate compacts.

(B) Notwithstanding any limitations regarding phreatophytes or impermeable surfaces that would otherwise apply pursuant to section 37-92-103 (9) or 37-92-501 (4)(b)(III), for any precipitation harvesting pilot project selected pursuant to section 37-60-115 (6), the applicant shall fully augment any precipitation captured out of priority; except that, in determining the quantity of water required for the substitute water supply plan to replace out-of-priority stream depletions, there is no requirement to replace the amount of historic natural depletion to the waters of the state, if any, caused by preexisting natural vegetative cover evapotranspiration for the surface areas made impermeable and associated with the pilot project. The applicant may use applicable regional factors established pursuant to section 37-60-115 (6)(b)(VI).

(C) The state engineer shall impose such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that these standards are met. In making the determinations specified in this subparagraph (IV), the state engineer shall not be required to hold any formal hearings or conduct any other formal proceedings, but may conduct a hearing or formal proceeding if the state engineer finds it necessary to address the issues.

(b) (I) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (II) of this paragraph (b), a substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (5) shall not be approved for a period of more than one year; except that an applicant may request the renewal of a plan by repeating the application process described in this subsection (5). However, in no event shall any plan approved pursuant to this subsection (5) or any water use included in such plan be approved or renewed for more than five years.

(II) A project sponsor for a precipitation harvesting pilot project selected pursuant to section 37-60-115 (6) may request renewal of a plan that would extend the plan past five years from the initial date of approval if the project sponsor demonstrates to the state engineer that an additional year of operation under the plan is necessary to obtain sufficient data to meet the Colorado water conservation board's criteria for evaluating the pilot project or an application for a permanent augmentation plan is pending before the water court. As a condition of approving a substitute water supply plan for a pilot project pursuant to this subsection (5), the state engineer shall have the authority to require the project sponsor to replace any ongoing delayed depletions after the water use plan associated with a precipitation harvesting pilot project has ceased.

(c) When the state engineer approves or denies a substitute water supply plan, the state engineer shall serve a copy of the decision on all parties to the application by electronic mail, or if a party has elected, by first-class mail. Neither the approval nor the denial by the state engineer shall create any presumptions, shift the burden of proof, or serve as a defense in any legal action that may be initiated concerning the substitute water supply plan. Any appeal of a decision made by the state engineer concerning a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (5) shall be made to the water judge in the applicable water division within thirty days, who shall hear such appeal on an expedited basis.

(6) The state engineer shall establish a substitute water supply plan notification list for each water division for the purposes of notifying interested parties pursuant to subparagraph (II) of paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of this section and subparagraph (II) of paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of this section. Beginning in July 2002, and in January of each year thereafter, in order to establish the notification list, the water clerks in each division shall include in the water court resume an invitation to be included on the notification list for the applicable water division. Persons on the substitute water supply plan notification list shall receive notice of all substitute water supply plans filed in that water division pursuant to subsections (3) and (5) of this section by electronic mail or, if a person has elected, by first-class mail. Persons may be required to pay a fee, not to exceed twelve dollars per year, to be placed on the notification list.

(7) Beginning January 1, 2002, the state engineer may approve a substitute water supply plan if the state engineer determines such plan is needed to address an emergency situation and that the plan will not cause injury to the vested water rights or decreed conditional water rights of others or impair compliance with any interstate compact. Such plan shall not be implemented for more than ninety-one days. For purposes of this section, "emergency situation" means a situation affecting public health or safety where a substitute water supply plan needs to be implemented more quickly than the other procedures set forth in this section allow. For 2003, an "emergency situation" may also mean an immediate need for the use of augmentation wells necessitated by extreme drought conditions if such augmentation wells are also included in a request filed previously, or filed simultaneously with a request under this subsection (7), for approval of a substitute water supply plan under subsection (3) or (4) of this section. Approval pursuant to this section of the use of augmentation wells shall include the terms and conditions needed to account for and replace all out-of-priority stream depletions that will result from such use, including post-pumping depletions. Within seven days after the date of approval of the use of an augmentation well under this subsection (7), the state engineer shall give notice of the approval to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for water division 1. In all other situations, notice to other water users shall not be required. Neither the approval nor the denial by the state engineer shall create any presumptions, shift the burden of proof, or be a defense in any legal action that may be initiated concerning an emergency substitute water supply plan or in any proceedings under subsection (3) or (4) of this section.

(8) After July 1, 2002, water users requesting approval of a new plan or a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this section shall pay a fee of three hundred dollars. The state engineer shall collect the fees and transmit them to the state treasurer, who shall deposit them in the water resources cash fund created in section 37-80-111.7 (1).

(9) If an entity pays for repairs, maintenance, dredging, or other improvements, including capital improvements, that are necessary and effective in removing a storage restriction imposed by the state engineer pursuant to section 37-87-107 on a dam or reservoir owned by a third party, such entity may apply to the state engineer pursuant to subsection (5) of this section for approval of the use of some or all of such newly unrestricted storage as a substitute water supply plan, if the entity has a written agreement concerning such use with all the owners of the dam or reservoir and the associated water rights.

(10) Repealed.

(11) (a) (I) To provide sufficient time to integrate coal bed methane wells into the water court adjudication process for augmentation plans, during 2010, 2011, and 2012 the state engineer may approve annual substitute water supply plans for such wells using the procedures and standards set forth in this subsection (11). Until July 31, 2010, coal bed methane wells may continue to operate without a substitute water supply plan if the oil and gas operator submits a request for approval of a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (11) by April 30, 2010. Beginning August 1, 2010, and ending December 31, 2012, no coal bed methane well that withdraws tributary groundwater and impacts an over-appropriated stream shall operate unless:

(A) Operation of the well is authorized pursuant to this section;

(B) The well is included in a plan for augmentation approved by a water judge; or

(C) The well is included in a substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

(II) Beginning January 1, 2013, any coal bed methane well that withdraws tributary groundwater from a geologic formation in conjunction with the mining of minerals shall be continuously curtailed unless the well:

(A) Is included in a plan for augmentation approved by a water judge;

(B) Is included in a substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to subsection (4) of this section; or

(C) Can be operated in priority without augmentation.

(III) The general assembly finds that the time period established in subparagraph (II) of paragraph (b) of this subsection (11) is sufficient to develop augmentation plan applications for these wells, and there shall be no subsequent extensions of this deadline.

(b) For a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (11), the state engineer may approve the temporary operation of a coal bed methane well that withdraws tributary groundwater only if the following conditions are met:

(I) The applicant has provided written notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan by first-class mail or electronic mail to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for the water division in which the proposed plan is located and proof of such notice is filed with the state engineer;

(II) All parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for the water division in which the proposed plan is located have thirty-five days after the date of mailing of such notice to file comments on the substitute water supply plan. Such comments shall include any claim of injury, any terms and conditions that should be imposed upon the plan to prevent injury to a party's water rights or decreed conditional water rights, and any other information a party wishes the state engineer to consider in reviewing the substitute water supply plan request.

(III) The state engineer, after consideration of the comments received, has determined that the operation and administration of such plan will: Replace all out-of-priority depletions occurring on or after June 2, 2009, in time, location, and amount, including delayed out-of-priority depletions that affect the stream system after expiration of the plan; otherwise prevent injury occurring on or after June 2, 2009, to other water rights and decreed conditional water rights, including water quality and continuity to meet the requirements of use to which the senior appropriation has normally been put pursuant to section 37-80-120 (3); and not impair compliance with any interstate compacts. The state engineer shall impose such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that these standards are met, which may include terms and conditions that remain in effect after expiration of the plan so as to require the proponent of the plan to replace delayed out-of-priority depletions occurring on or after June 2, 2009. In making such determinations, the state engineer shall not be required to hold any formal hearings or conduct any other formal proceedings, but may conduct a hearing or formal proceeding if the state engineer finds it necessary to address the issues.

(c) A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (11) shall not be approved for a period of more than one year; except that an applicant may request the renewal of a plan by repeating the application process described in this subsection (11). In no case shall a plan approved pursuant to this subsection (11) be renewed beyond December 31, 2012.

(d) When the state engineer approves or denies a substitute water supply plan, the state engineer shall serve a copy of the decision on all parties to the substitute water supply plan notification list for the water division in which the proposed plan is located by first-class mail or by electronic mail. Every decision of the state engineer shall provide a detailed statement of how all stream depletions were calculated, the location where they occur, how all replacement water sources were quantified, and what terms and conditions were imposed to prevent injury to other water rights and why they were imposed.

(e) Neither the approval nor the denial by the state engineer shall create any presumptions, shift the burden of proof, or serve as a defense in any legal action that may be initiated concerning the substitute water supply plan. Any appeal of a decision made by the state engineer concerning a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (11) shall be to the water judge of the applicable water division within thirty-five days after the date of service of the decision. The water judge shall hear and determine such appeal on an expedited basis using the procedures and standards set forth in sections 37-92-304 and 37-92-305 for determination of matters referred to the water judge by the referee.

(12) Agricultural water protection. (a) After a person has obtained a decreed agricultural water protection water right pursuant to section 37-92-305 (19), the person may apply for a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (12).

(b) (I) The state engineer may approve the lease, loan, or trade of water under a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (12) if the applicant has:

(A) Provided written notice of the request for approval of the substitute water supply plan by electronic mail or first-class mail to all parties who have subscribed to the substitute water supply plan notification list for the water division in which the proposed plan is located; and

(B) Filed proof of the notice with the state engineer.

(II) A person who receives written notice of the request for approval of a substitute water supply plan pursuant to subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (b) has thirty-five days after the date that the notice was mailed to file comments with the state engineer on the substitute water supply plan application. A party filing a comment with the state engineer must include the following in the comment:

(A) Any claim of injury;

(B) Any terms and conditions that the party believes should be imposed on the plan to prevent injury to a party's water rights or decreed conditional water rights; and

(C) Any other information the party wishes the state engineer to consider in reviewing the substitute water supply plan request.

(c) If, after consideration of the application and any comments received on the application, the state engineer approves a substitute water supply plan pursuant to this subsection (12), the approval must:

(I) Comply with conditions:

(A) Set forth in section 37-92-305 (19); and

(B) Developed by the state engineer pursuant to section 37-80-123;

(II) Comply with the terms and conditions of the applicant's decreed agricultural water protection water right, as recognized by the case number of the decree;

(III) Identify the associated water right as an agricultural water protection water right;

(IV) Quantify the portion of the historical consumptive use of the water right to be leased, loaned, or traded;

(V) Quantify the portion of the return flows associated with the historical use of the water to be leased, loaned, or traded in time, place, and amount;

(VI) Provide terms and conditions for the use of the water right, including the return flow obligations in time, place, and amount, that prevent material injury to other vested water rights and decreed conditional water rights; and

(VII) In accordance with section 37-92-305 (19)(b)(I), allow delivery of an amount of the quantified historical consumptive portion of the agricultural water protection water right. Delivery must be to a point of diversion that is subject to an existing water court decree.

(d) A substitute water supply plan approved pursuant to this subsection (12) is valid for one year. If the terms and conditions of the plan remain unchanged, the holder of the plan may renew the plan two times without reapplying by notifying the state engineer by electronic mail or first-class mail that the terms and conditions remain unchanged. To maintain the substitute water supply plan, the holder of the plan must file a new application every three years. Any change in the terms and conditions immediately nullifies the substitute water supply plan, and a new application must be applied for and approved by the state engineer pursuant to this subsection (12).

(e) When the state engineer approves or denies a substitute water supply plan, the state engineer shall serve a copy of the decision on all parties to the application and the water court application by first-class mail or, if a party has so elected, by electronic mail.

(f) The state engineer must provide a detailed statement of the basis and rationale for the decision. For a decision approving the application, the statement of the basis and rationale must include a complete explanation of the terms and conditions imposed to prevent injury to other water rights and why they are imposed. The decision must include a description of the consideration given to any written comments that were filed by other parties.

(g) Neither the state engineer's approval nor denial of an application creates any presumptions, shifts the burden of proof, or serves as a defense in any legal action that may be initiated concerning the substitute water supply plan.

(h) Any appeal of a decision made by the state engineer concerning a substitute water supply plan approved or denied pursuant to this subsection (12) must be made within thirty-five days after the date of service of the decision. Any appeal must be filed under the same case number as the decreed agricultural water protection water right and shall be heard using the procedures and standards set forth in sections 37-92-304 and 37-92-305 for determination of the matters referred to the water judge by the referee. The water judge shall hear and determine any appeal on an expedited basis.
C.R.S. § 37-69-101 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 69 / Section 37-69-101
37-69-101. Arkansas River compact
Status: in_force

37-69-101. Arkansas River compact. The general assembly hereby ratifies the compact between the state of Colorado and the state of Kansas designated as the "Arkansas river compact" signed in the city of Denver, state of Colorado, on the 14th day of December, A. D. 1948, by Henry C. Vidal, Gail L. Ireland, and Harry B. Mendenhall, commissioners for the state of Colorado, and George S. Knapp, Edward F. Arn, William E. Leavitt, and Roland H. Tate, commissioners for the state of Kansas, and approved by Hans Kramer, representative of the United States of America. Said compact is as follows:

Arkansas River Compact

The state of Colorado and the state of Kansas, parties signatory to this compact (hereinafter referred to as "Colorado" and "Kansas," respectively, or individually as a "state," or collectively as the "states") having resolved to conclude a compact with respect to the waters of the Arkansas river, and being moved by considerations of interstate comity, having appointed commissioners as follows:

Henry C. Vidal, Gail L. Ireland, and Harry B. Mendenhall, for Colorado; and George S. Knapp, Edward F. Arn, William E. Leavitt, and Roland H. Tate, for Kansas; and the consent of the congress of the United States to negotiate and enter into an interstate compact not later than January 1, 1950, having been granted by Public Law 34, 79th Congress, 1st Session, and pursuant thereto the President having designated Hans Kramer as the representative of the United States, the said commissioners for Colorado and Kansas, after negotiations participated in by the representative of the United States, have agreed as follows:

Article I

The major purposes of this compact are to:

A. Settle existing disputes and remove causes of future controversy between the states of Colorado and Kansas, and between citizens of one and citizens of the other state, concerning the waters of the Arkansas river and their control, conservation and utilization for irrigation and other beneficial purposes.

B. Equitably divide and apportion between the states of Colorado and Kansas the waters of the Arkansas river and their utilization as well as the benefits arising from the construction, operation and maintenance by the United States of John Martin reservoir project for water conservation purposes.

Article II

The provisions of this compact are based on (1) the physical and other conditions peculiar to the Arkansas river and its natural drainage basin, and the nature and location of irrigation and other developments and facilities in connection therewith; (2) the opinion of the United States supreme court entered December 6, 1943, in the case of Colorado v. Kansas (320 U. S. 383) concerning the relative rights of the respective states in and to the use of waters of the Arkansas river; and (3) the experience derived under various interim executive agreements between the two states apportioning the waters released from the John Martin reservoir as operated by the corps of engineers.

Article III

As used in this compact:

A. The word "stateline" means the geographical boundary line between Colorado and Kansas.

B. The term "waters of the Arkansas river" means the waters originating in the natural drainage basin of the Arkansas river, including its tributaries, upstream from the stateline, and excluding waters brought into the Arkansas river basin from other river basins.

C. The term "stateline flow" means the flow of waters of the Arkansas river as determined by gauging stations located at or near the stateline. The flow as determined by such stations, whether located in Colorado or Kansas, shall be deemed to be the actual stateline flow.

D. "John Martin reservoir project" is the official name of the facility formerly known as Caddoa reservoir project, authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936, as amended, for construction, operation and maintenance by the war department, corps of engineers, later designated as the corps of engineers, department of the army, and herein referred to as the "corps of engineers." "John Martin reservoir" is the water storage space created by "John Martin dam".

E. The "flood control storage" is that portion of the total storage space in John Martin reservoir allocated to flood control purposes.

F. The "conservation pool" is that portion of the total storage space in John Martin reservoir lying below the flood control storage.

G. The "ditches of Colorado water district 67" are those ditches and canals which divert water from the Arkansas river or its tributaries downstream from John Martin dam for irrigation use in Colorado.

H. The term "river flow" means the sum of the flows of the Arkansas and the Purgatoire rivers into John Martin reservoir as determined by gauging stations appropriately located above said reservoir.

I. The term "the administration" means the Arkansas river compact administration established under article VIII.

Article IV

Both states recognize that:

A. This compact deals only with the waters of the Arkansas river as defined in article III.

B. This compact is not concerned with the rights, if any, of the state of New Mexico or its citizens in and to the use in New Mexico of waters of Trinchera creek or other tributaries of the Purgatoire river, a tributary of the Arkansas river.

C. (1) John Martin dam will be operated by the corps of engineers to store and release the waters of the Arkansas river in and from John Martin reservoir for its authorized purposes.

(2) The bottom of the flood control storage is presently fixed by the chief of engineers, U. S. Army, at elevation 3,851 feet above mean sea level. The flood control storage will be operated for flood control purposes and to those ends will impound or regulate the streamflow volumes that are in excess of the then available storage capacity of the conservation pool. Releases from the flood control storage may be made at times and rates determined by the corps of engineers to be necessary or advisable without regard to ditch diversion capacities or requirements in either or both states.

(3) The conservation pool will be operated for the benefit of water users in Colorado and Kansas, both upstream and downstream from John Martin dam, as provided in this compact. The maintenance of John Martin dam and appurtenance works may at times require the corps of engineers to release waters then impounded in the conservation pool or to prohibit the storage of water therein until such maintenance work is completed. Flood control operation may also involve temporary utilization of conservation storage.

D. This compact is not intended to impede or prevent future beneficial development of the Arkansas river basin in Colorado and Kansas by federal or state agencies, by private enterprise, or by combinations thereof, which may involve construction of dams, reservoirs and other works for the purposes of water utilization and control, as well as the improved or prolonged functioning of existing works: Provided, that the waters of the Arkansas river, as defined in article III, shall not be materially depleted in usable quantity or availability for use to the water users in Colorado and Kansas under this compact by such future development or construction.

Article V

Colorado and Kansas hereby agree upon the following basis of apportionment of the waters of the Arkansas river:

A. Winter storage in John Martin reservoir shall commence on November 1st of each year and continue to and include the next succeeding March 31st. During said period all water entering said reservoir up to the limit of the then available conservation capacity shall be stored: Provided, that Colorado may demand releases of water equivalent to the river flow, but such releases shall not exceed 100 c.f.s. (cubic feet per second) and water so released shall be used without avoidable waste.

B. Summer storage in John Martin reservoir shall commence on April 1st of each year and continue to and include the next succeeding October 31st. During said period, except when Colorado water users are operating under decreed priorities as provided in paragraphs F and G of this article, all water entering said reservoir up to the limit of the then available conservation capacity shall be stored: Provided, that Colorado may demand releases of water equivalent to the river flow up to 500 c.f.s., and Kansas may demand releases of water equivalent to that portion of the river flow between 500 c.f.s. and 750 c.f.s., irrespective of releases demanded by Colorado.

C. Releases of water stored pursuant to the provisions of paragraphs A and B of this article shall be made upon demands by Colorado and Kansas concurrently or separately at any time during the summer storage period. Unless increases to meet extraordinary conditions are authorized by the administration, separate releases of stored water to Colorado shall not exceed 750 c.f.s., separate releases of stored water to Kansas shall not exceed 500 c.f.s., and concurrent releases of stored water shall not exceed a total of 1250 c.f.s.: Provided, that when water stored in the conservation pool is reduced to a quantity less than 20,000 acre-feet, separate releases of stored water to Colorado shall not exceed 600 c.f.s., and separate releases of stored water to Kansas shall not exceed 400 c.f.s., and concurrent releases of stored water shall not exceed 1,000 c.f.s.

D. Releases authorized by paragraphs A, B, and C of this article, except when all Colorado water users are operating under decree priorities as provided in paragraphs F and G of this article, shall not impose any call on Colorado water users that divert waters of the Arkansas river upstream from John Martin dam.

E. (1) Releases of stored water and releases of river flow may be made simultaneously upon the demands of either or both states.

(2) Water released upon concurrent or separate demands shall be applied promptly to beneficial use unless storage thereof downstream is authorized by the administration.

(3) Releases of river flow and of stored water to Colorado shall be measured by gauging stations located at or near John Martin dam and the releases to which Kansas is entitled shall be satisfied by an equivalent in state line flow.

(4) When water is released from John Martin reservoir appropriate allowances as determined by the administration shall be made for the intervals of time required for such water to arrive at the points of diversion in Colorado and at the state line.

(5) There shall be no allowance or accumulation of credits or debits for or against either state.

(6) Storage, releases from storage and releases of river flow authorized in this article shall be accomplished pursuant to procedures prescribed by the administration under the provisions of article VIII.

F. In the event the administration finds that within a period of fourteen days the water in the conservation pool will be or is liable to be exhausted, the administration shall forthwith notify the state engineer of Colorado, or his duly authorized representative, that commencing upon a day certain within said fourteen day period, unless a change of conditions justifies cancellation or modification of such notice, Colorado shall administer the decreed rights of water users in Colorado water district 67 as against each other and as against all rights now or hereafter decreed to water users diverting upstream from John Martin dam on the basis of relative priorities in the same manner in which their respective priority rights were administered by Colorado before John Martin reservoir began to operate and as though John Martin dam had not been constructed. Such priority administration by Colorado shall be continued until the administration finds that water is again available in the conservation pool for release as provided in this compact, and timely notice of such finding shall be given by the administration to the state engineer of Colorado or his duly authorized representative; provided, that except as controlled by the operation of the preceding provisions of this paragraph and other applicable provisions of this compact, when there is water in the conservation pool the water users upstream from John Martin reservoir shall not be affected by the decrees to the ditches in Colorado water district 67. Except when administration in Colorado is on a priority basis the water diversions in Colorado water district 67 shall be administered by Colorado in accordance with distribution agreements made from time to time between the water users in such district and filed with the administration and with the state engineer of Colorado or, in the absence of such agreement, upon the basis of the respective priority decrees, as against each other, in said district.

G. During periods when Colorado reverts to administration of decree priorities, Kansas shall not be entitled to any portion of the river flow entering John Martin reservoir. Waters of the Arkansas river originating in Colorado which may flow across the state line during such periods are hereby apportioned to Kansas.

H. If the usable quantity and availability for use of the waters of the Arkansas river to water users in Colorado water district 67 and Kansas will be thereby materially depleted or adversely affected, (1) priority rights now decreed to the ditches of Colorado water district 67 shall not hereafter be transferred to other water districts in Colorado or to points of diversion or places of use upstream from John Martin dam; and (2) the ditch diversion rights from the Arkansas river in Colorado water district 67 and of Kansas ditches between the state line and Garden City shall not hereafter be increased beyond the total present rights of said ditches, without the administration, in either case (1) or (2), making findings of fact that no such depletion or adverse effect will result from such proposed transfer or increase. Notice of legal proceedings for any such proposed transfer or increase shall be given to the administration in the manner and within the time provided by the laws of Colorado or Kansas in such cases.

Article VI

A. (1) Nothing in this compact shall be construed as impairing the jurisdiction of Kansas over the waters of the Arkansas river that originate in Kansas and over the waters that flow from Colorado across the state line into Kansas.

(2) Except as otherwise provided, nothing in this compact shall be construed as supplanting the administration by Colorado of the rights of appropriators of waters of the Arkansas river in said state as decreed to said appropriators by the courts of Colorado, nor as interfering with the distribution among said appropriators by Colorado, nor as curtailing the diversion and use for irrigation and other beneficial purposes in Colorado of the waters of the Arkansas river.

B. Inasmuch as the Frontier canal diverts waters of the Arkansas river in Colorado west of the state line for irrigation uses in Kansas only, Colorado concedes to Kansas and Kansas hereby assumes exclusive administrative control over the operation of the Frontier canal and its headworks for such purposes, to the same extent as though said works were located entirely within the state of Kansas. Water carried across the state line in Frontier canal or any other similarly situated canal shall be considered to be part of the state line flow.

Article VII

A. Each state shall be subject to the terms of this compact. Where the name of the state or the term "state" is used in this compact these shall be construed to include any person or entity of any nature whatsoever using, claiming or in any manner asserting any right to the use of the waters of the Arkansas river under the authority of that state.

B. This compact establishes no general principle or precedent with respect to any other interstate stream.

C. Wherever any state or federal official agency is referred to in this compact such reference shall apply to the comparable official or agency succeeding to their duties and functions.

Article VIII

A. To administer the provisions of this compact there is hereby created an interstate agency to be known as the Arkansas river compact administration herein designated as "the administration".

B. The administration shall have power to:

(1) Adopt, amend and revoke by-laws, rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this compact;

(2) Prescribe procedures for the administration of this compact: Provided, that where such procedures involve the operation of John Martin reservoir project they shall be subject to the approval of the district engineer in charge of said project;

(3) Perform all functions required to implement this compact and to do all things necessary, proper or convenient in the performance of its duties.

C. The membership of the administration shall consist of three representatives from each state who shall be appointed by the respective governors for a term not to exceed four years. One Colorado representative shall be a resident of and water right owner in water districts 14 or 17, one Colorado representative shall be a resident of and water right owner in water district 67, and one Colorado representative shall be the director of the Colorado water conservation board. Two Kansas representatives shall be residents of and water right owners in the counties of Finney, Kearny or Hamilton, and one Kansas representative shall be the chief state official charged with the administration of water rights in Kansas. The President of the United States is hereby requested to designate a representative of the United States, and if a representative is so designated he shall be an ex officio member and act as chairman of the administration without vote.

D. The state representatives shall be appointed by the respective governors within thirty days after the effective date of this compact. The administration shall meet and organize within sixty days after such effective date. A quorum for any meeting shall consist of four members of the administration: Provided, that at least two members are present from each state. Each state shall have but one vote in the administration and every decision, authorization or other action shall require unanimous vote. In case of a divided vote on any matter within the purview of the administration, the administration may, by subsequent unanimous vote, refer the matter for arbitration to the representative of the United States or other arbitrator or arbitrators, in which event the decision made by such arbitrator or arbitrators shall be binding upon the administration.

E. (1) The salaries, if any, and the personal expenses of each member shall be paid by the government which he represents. All other expenses incident to the administration of this compact which are not paid by the United States shall be borne by the states on the basis of 60 per cent by Colorado and 40 per cent by Kansas.

(2) In each even numbered year the administration shall adopt and transmit to the governor of each state its budget covering anticipated expenses for the forthcoming biennium and the amount thereof payable by each state. Each state shall appropriate and pay the amount due by it to the administration.

(3) The administration shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall include a statement thereof, together with a certificate of audit by a certified public accountant, in its annual report. Each state shall have the right to make an examination and audit of the accounts of the administration at any time.

F. Each state shall provide such available facilities, equipment and other assistance as the administration may need to carry out its duties. To supplement such available assistance the administration may employ engineering, legal, clerical and other aid as in its judgment may be necessary for the performance of its functions. Such employees shall be paid by and be responsible to the administration, and shall not be considered to be employees of either state.

G. (1) The administration shall co-operate with the chief official of each state charged with the administration of water rights and with federal agencies in the systematic determination and correlation of the facts as to the flow and diversion of the waters of the Arkansas river and as to the operation and siltation of John Martin reservoir and other related structures. The administration shall co-operate in the procurement, interchange, compilation and publication of all factual data bearing upon the administration of this compact without, in general, duplicating measurements, observations or publications made by state or federal agencies. State officials shall furnish pertinent factual data to the administration upon its request. The administration shall, with the collaboration of the appropriate federal and state agencies, determine as may be necessary from time to time, the location of gauging stations required for the proper administration of this compact and shall designate the official records of such stations for its official use.

(2) The director, U. S. geological survey, the commissioner of reclamation and the chief of engineers, U. S. Army, are hereby requested to collaborate with the administration and with appropriate state officials in the systematic determination and correlation of data referred to in paragraph G (1) of this article and in the execution of other duties of such officials which may be necessary for the proper administration of this compact.

(3) If deemed necessary for the administration of this compact, the administration may require the installation and maintenance, at the expense of water users, of measuring devices of approved type in any ditch or group of ditches diverting water from the Arkansas river in Colorado or Kansas. The chief official of each state charged with the administration of water rights shall supervise the execution of the administration's requirements for such installations.

H. Violation of any of the provisions of this compact or other actions prejudicial thereto which come to the attention of the administration shall be promptly investigated by it. When deemed advisable as the result of such investigation, the administration may report its findings and recommendations to the state official who is charged with the administration of water rights for appropriate action, it being the intent of this compact that enforcement of its terms shall be accomplished in general through the state agencies and officials charged with the administration of water rights.

I. Findings of fact made by the administration shall not be conclusive in any court or before any agency or tribunal but shall constitute prima facie evidence of the facts found.

J. The administration shall report annually to the governors of the states and to the President of the United States as to matters within its purview.

Article IX

A. This compact shall become effective when ratified by the legislature of each state and when consented to by the congress of the United States by legislation providing substantially, among other things, as follows:

Nothing contained in this act or in the compact herein consented to shall be construed as impairing or affecting the sovereignty of the United States or any of its rights or jurisdiction in and over the area or waters which are the subject of such compact: Provided, that the chief of engineers is hereby authorized to operate the conservation features of the John Martin reservoir project in a manner conforming to such compact with such exceptions as he and the administration created pursuant to the compact may jointly approve.

B. This compact shall remain in effect until modified or terminated by unanimous action of the states and in the event of modification or termination all rights then established or recognized by this compact shall continue unimpaired.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the commissioners have signed this compact in triplicate original, one of which shall be forwarded to the secretary of state of the United States of America and one of which shall be forwarded to the governor of each signatory state.

Done in the city and county of Denver, in the state of Colorado, on the fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-eight.

Henry C. Vidal,

Gail L. Ireland,

Harry B. Mendenhall,

Commissioners for Colorado.

Attest:

Warden L. Noe, Secretary.

George S. Knapp,

Edward F. Arn,

William E. Leavitt,

Roland H. Tate,

Commissioners for Kansas.

Approved:

Hans Kramer,

Representative of the

United States.
C.R.S. § 37-25-107 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 25 / Section 37-25-107
37-25-107. Sale of bonds - procedure
Status: in_force

37-25-107. Sale of bonds - procedure. The board of directors may sell bonds from time to time in such quantities as may be necessary and most advantageous to raise the money to carry out the objects and purposes of articles 20 to 30 of this title. Before making any sale, the board, by resolution, shall declare its intention to sell a specified amount of the bonds and the day and hour and place of such sale and shall cause such resolution to be entered in the minutes and notice of the sale to be given by publication thereof for at least twenty days in a daily newspaper published in the city of Denver and in any other newspaper at its discretion.
C.R.S. § 37-45-140 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 45 / Section 37-45-140
37-45-140. Publication of call
Status: in_force

37-45-140. Publication of call. The resolution provided in section 37-45-139 shall be published once a week for two consecutive weeks, the last publication of which shall be at least ten days prior to the date set for said election, in a newspaper of general circulation within the district, and no other or further notice of such election or publication of the names of election officers or of the precincts or polling places need be made.
C.R.S. § 37-48-138 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 48 / Section 37-48-138
37-48-138. Report of appraisers - special improvement bonds
Status: in_force

37-48-138. Report of appraisers - special improvement bonds. (1) The board of appraisers shall prepare a tabulated report of its findings, which shall be bound in book form and which shall be known as the conservation district appraisal record for special improvement bonds. Such record shall contain the names of the owners of property appraised as they appear on the tax rolls or from the records of the office of the county clerk and recorder, a description of the property appraised, and the amount of benefits appraised. No error in the names of the owners of property or in the descriptions thereof shall invalidate said appraisal or the levy of assessments or taxes based thereon if sufficient description is given to identify such property.

(2) When the report is completed, it shall be signed by at least a majority of the appraisers and deposited with the clerk of the court, who shall file it in the original case. At the same time certified copies of that part of the report giving the appraisal of benefits in any county other than that in which the original case is pending shall be made and filed with the county clerk and recorder of such county.
C.R.S. § 37-60-124.4 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 60 / Part 1 / Section 37-60-124.4
37-60-124.4. Stream gauge fund - created
Status: in_force

37-60-124.4. Stream gauge fund - created. There is hereby created in the state treasury the stream gauge fund, referred to in this section as the "gauge fund". The state treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to transfer two hundred fifty thousand dollars from the Colorado water conservation board construction fund to the gauge fund. The moneys in the gauge fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the board for stream gaging and data collection efforts related to instream flow monitoring, compact protection, decision support systems, and flood forecasting and analysis. In addition to any remaining balance in the gauge fund at the end of any fiscal year, the board is hereby authorized, from the water conservation board construction fund, to annually provide up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars in order to restore the unencumbered balance in the gauge fund to two hundred fifty thousand dollars. All interest derived from the investment of moneys in the gauge fund shall be credited to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund. The board shall review the purposes of the gauge fund annually and is hereby authorized to cease providing moneys in the following year if, in its discretion, the board determines that the purposes for which the gauge fund was established have ceased. The board may set terms and conditions as it deems appropriate concerning the annual expenditures of moneys from the gauge fund.
C.R.S. § 37-45-128 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 45 / Section 37-45-128
37-45-128. Officers levy and collect taxes and assessments
Status: in_force

37-45-128. Officers levy and collect taxes and assessments. It is the duty of the officer or body having authority to levy taxes within each county, city and county, or town to levy the taxes and special assessments as provided in this article, and it is the duty of all county or city and county officials charged with the duty of collecting taxes to collect such taxes and special assessments in the time, form, and manner and with like interest and penalties as county or city and county taxes are collected and, when collected, to pay the same to the district ordering its levy or collection, and the payment of such collections shall be made through the secretary of the district and paid into the depository thereof to the credit of the district. All taxes and assessments made under this article together with all interest thereon and penalties for default in payment thereof, and all costs in collecting the same, until paid, shall constitute a perpetual lien on a parity with the tax lien of general, state, county, city, town, or school taxes, and no sale of such property to enforce any general, state, county, city, town, or school tax or other liens shall extinguish the perpetual lien of such taxes and assessments.
C.R.S. § 37-26-107 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 26 / Section 37-26-107
37-26-107. Consent of unknown bondholders
Status: in_force

37-26-107. Consent of unknown bondholders. If the board of directors of any drainage district issuing or intending to issue refunding bonds desires to obtain the constructive consent of unknown and nonconsenting holders of bonds or claims for interest thereon desired to be retired or refunded under this article, such board of directors, before selling or otherwise disposing of any such refunding bonds, shall declare by resolution its intention of selling or otherwise disposing of the same and shall cause such resolution to be entered on its minutes and shall cause notice of sale or other disposition to be given by publication thereof at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in three newspapers published in the state of Colorado, one of which shall be a newspaper published in the city of Denver and one of which shall be a newspaper published in the county in which the office of the board of directors is situated.
C.R.S. § 37-41-109 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 41 / Section 37-41-109
37-41-109. District treasurer - duties - county treasurer to collect district assessments
Status: in_force

37-41-109. District treasurer - duties - county treasurer to collect district assessments. (1) (a) The district treasurer, who shall be appointed by the board of directors, may collect, receive, and receipt for all money belonging to the district; except that district assessments shall be collected by the county treasurer pursuant to section 39-10-101 and distributed to the district treasurer pursuant to section 39-10-107.

(b) It is the duty of the county treasurer of each county in which the district is located in whole or in part to collect and receipt for all assessments levied as provided in section 37-41-123 in the same manner and at the same time and on the same receipt as is required in the collection of taxes upon real estate for county purposes. The district treasurer shall be responsible for making payments toward warrants drawn against the general fund and for making payments toward interest coupons or bonds maturing within the tax year.

(2) The county treasurer shall remit to the district treasurer all money collected or received by the county treasurer on account of the district in accordance with section 39-10-107. Every district treasurer shall keep a bond fund account and a general fund account. The bond fund account shall consist of all money received on account of interest and principal of bonds issued by the district. The accounts for interest and principal must be kept separate. The general fund consists of all money or general fund warrants received by the collection of assessments or otherwise. The district treasurer shall pay out of the bond fund, when due, the interest and principal of the bonds of the district at the time and place specified in the bonds and shall pay out of the general fund only upon the order of the district, signed by the president and countersigned by the secretary of the district. The district treasurer, on the fifteenth day of each month, shall report to the secretary of the district the amount of money possessed by the district to the credit of the bond fund and the general fund, the amount of warrants paid during the previous month, and the amount of registered warrants, if any. District assessments collected and paid to the county treasurers shall be received in the official capacity of the county treasurers, and the county treasurers shall be responsible for the safekeeping, disbursement, and payment of the district assessments in the same manner as for other money collected by the county treasurers.
C.R.S. § 37-42-140 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 42 / Section 37-42-140
37-42-140. Districts organized after April 7, 1921
Status: in_force

37-42-140. Districts organized after April 7, 1921. This article 42 applies only to irrigation districts organized after April 7, 1921, and no existing laws in any manner relating to irrigation districts apply to or affect irrigation districts organized after that date, but existing laws and all amendments thereto made after that date remain in and have full force and effect as to all irrigation districts organized prior to April 7, 1921. However, whenever landowners of a majority of the number of acres of the irrigable land in any irrigation district organized prior to April 7, 1921, petition the board of directors to call a special election for the purpose of submitting to the landowners entitled to vote at elections of the irrigation district a proposition to vote, at any regular or any special election called and notice given for such purpose, upon the question whether the irrigation district shall thereafter operate under this article 42, and if two-thirds of the landowners of the irrigation district voting upon the question vote in favor of coming under this article 42, upon the filing of a statement of the results of the election in the manner provided by section 37-41-112, the irrigation district is thereafter governed by this article 42. The election of the district to come under this article 42 does not invalidate any act or proceeding previously done under the laws governing the irrigation district prior to the election and does not impair any obligation of the irrigation district or any right thereunder.
C.R.S. § 37-31-152 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 31 / Section 37-31-152
37-31-152. Right of eminent domain
Status: in_force

37-31-152. Right of eminent domain. The board of directors has the power to construct the said works across any watercourse, street, avenue, highway, railway, canal, or ditch which the route of such drainage system or any branch thereof intersects or crosses. If any railroad company or the owners and controllers of said property, thing, and franchise to be crossed or the owner of land necessary for said drainage district and the board of directors cannot agree upon the amount to be paid therefor, the same shall be ascertained and determined in all respects as is provided by law in respect to the taking of land for public uses by the exercise of the right of eminent domain, the right to the exercise of which is conferred on said drainage district. Such right of eminent domain shall be exercised in the manner prescribed by article 1 of title 38, C.R.S., provided a juror in such proceeding shall not be disqualified by reason of being a resident or taxpayer within said district.
C.R.S. § 37-80-112 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 80 / Section 37-80-112
37-80-112. Report of state engineer
Status: in_force

37-80-112. Report of state engineer. The state engineer shall report to the executive director of the department of natural resources at such times and on such matters concerning the state engineer's office and the division of water resources as the executive director may require.
C.R.S. § 37-22-103 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 22 / Section 37-22-103
37-22-103. Remittances to district treasurer
Status: in_force

37-22-103. Remittances to district treasurer. The county treasurer of each county comprising a portion only of a drainage district, on the first Monday of each month, shall remit to the treasurer of the drainage district all moneys belonging to said drainage district. The board of directors is authorized to pay all legal claims against said district by warrants drawn on the district treasurer, as provided in section 37-22-104.
C.R.S. § 37-44-117 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 44 / Section 37-44-117
37-44-117. Appeal not to delay
Status: in_force

37-44-117. Appeal not to delay. The taking of an appeal by any person as provided in section 37-44-115 shall not operate to delay the collection of any assessment from which no appeal has been taken or to delay the progress of the work or the issuing of any bonds.
C.R.S. § 37-90-137.5 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 90 / Section 37-90-137.5
37-90-137.5. Special water committee - creation - study - repeal
Status: repealed

37-90-137.5. Special water committee - creation - study - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 37-3-103 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 3 / Section 37-3-103
37-3-103. General powers
Status: in_force

37-3-103. General powers. (1) To protect life and property within the district; and to protect or relieve land subject to overflowing or washing, or that is menaced or threatened by the normal flow, flood, surplus, or overflow of waters of any natural watercourse, stream, canyon, or wash, whether perennial, intermittent, or flood; and to effect the protection of the land and other property in the district; and to accomplish all other purposes of the district, the board of directors is authorized:

(a) To clean out, straighten, widen, alter, deepen, or change the course or terminus of any ditch, drain, sewer, river, watercourse, pond, lake, creek, or natural stream in or out of said district;

(b) To fill up any abandoned or altered ditch, drain, sewer, river, watercourse, pond, lake, creek, or natural stream and to concentrate, divert, or divide the flow of water in or out of said district;

(c) To construct and maintain main and lateral ditches, sewers, canals, levees, dikes, dams, sluices, revetments, reservoirs or retarding basins, floodways, pumping stations and syphons, and any other works and improvements deemed necessary to construct, preserve, operate, or maintain the works in or out of said district;

(d) To construct, reconstruct, or enlarge or cause to be constructed, reconstructed, or enlarged any bridges that may be needed in or out of said district;

(e) To construct, reconstruct, or elevate roadways and streets;

(f) To construct or reconstruct any works and improvements along, across, through, or over any public highway, canal, railroad right-of-way, track, grade, fill, or cut, in or out of said district;

(g) To remove or change the location of any fence, building, railroad, canal, or other improvements in or out of said district;

(h) To acquire by donation, purchase, or condemnation, to construct, own, lease, use, and sell, and to hold, encumber, control, and maintain any easement, water right, railroad right-of-way, canal, sluice, reservoir or retarding basin, mill dam, water power, work, franchise, park, cemetery, or other public way or place, or any real or personal property, public or private, in or out of said district, for rights-of-way or retarding basins, or for materials of construction, or for any other use not inconsistent with the purposes of articles 1 to 8 of this title;

(i) To replot or subdivide land, open new roads, parks, streets, and alleys, or change the location of existing ones;

(j) To cause the dissolution of the district pursuant to article 3.5 of this title;

(k) To participate in the development of parks and recreational facilities within the boundaries of the district, including the development of trails, greenways, and riverfronts, and to consider such participation a current expense of the district; and

(l) To participate in artistic and beautification projects that improve the aesthetic appearance of waterways within the boundaries of the district and to consider such participation a current expense of the district.

(2) Nothing in articles 1 to 8 of this title shall be construed to grant to any conservancy district organized under said articles the power to regulate or administer water rights or to take or damage such water rights, except upon payment of compensation.
C.R.S. § 37-98-102 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 98 / Section 37-98-102
37-98-102. Water resources and agriculture review committee - creation
Status: repealed

37-98-102. Water resources and agriculture review committee - creation. (1) (a) (I) For the purposes of contributing to and monitoring the conservation, use, development, and financing of the water resources of Colorado for the general welfare of its inhabitants; identifying, monitoring, and addressing Colorado agriculture issues; and reviewing and proposing water resources and agriculture legislation, there is hereby created the water resources and agriculture review committee, referred to in this article 98 as the "committee". The committee shall meet at the call of the chair at least four times during each calendar year to review and to propose water resources and agriculture legislation and related matters. In connection with such review, and at the discretion of the chair, the committee may take field trips during the calendar year in connection with its mandate and shall consult with experts in the field of water conservation, quality, use, finance, and development and the field of agriculture. The department of natural resources, the state engineer, the department of agriculture, and the attorney general, together with the members and staff of the Colorado water conservation board, the Colorado water resources and power development authority, the water quality control commission, the department of public health and environment, and the great outdoors Colorado program, shall cooperate with the committee and with any persons assisting the committee in pursuing its responsibilities pursuant to this section. Further, the committee may utilize the legislative council staff to assist its members in researching any matters.

(II) Repealed.

(b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2003, p. 718, § 2, effective March 20, 2003.)

(2) (a) The committee shall consist of ten members of the general assembly to be selected as follows:

(I) Five members of the committee shall be from the senate, three appointed by the president of the senate and two appointed by the minority party leader; and

(II) Five members of the committee shall be from the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives after consultation with the minority leader of the house of representatives.

(b) At least four members of the committee shall either:

(I) Reside in that portion of the state that is west of the continental divide; or

(II) Represent a legislative district the majority of the population of which lies west of the continental divide.

(c) To the extent possible, the members shall be selected so as to achieve representation from each water division as defined in section 37-92-201.

(d) (I) Except as provided in subparagraph (II) of this paragraph (d), members' terms shall extend from January 1 of an odd-numbered year to December 31 of the following even-numbered year.

(II) The terms of the members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the minority leader of the senate and who are serving on March 22, 2007, shall be extended to and expire on or shall terminate on the convening date of the first regular session of the sixty-seventh general assembly. As soon as practicable after such convening date, the speaker, the president, and the minority leader of the senate shall appoint or reappoint members in the same manner as provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2). Thereafter, the terms of members appointed or reappointed by the speaker, the president, and the minority leader of the senate shall expire on the convening date of the first regular session of each general assembly, and all subsequent appointments and reappointments by the speaker, the president, and the minority leader of the senate shall be made as soon as practicable after such convening date. The person making the original appointment or reappointment shall fill any vacancy by appointment for the remainder of an unexpired term. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and shall continue in office until the member's successor is appointed.

(3) The president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall coordinate their appointments to the extent practicable.

(4) Members of the committee shall serve without compensation; except that each member shall receive the sums specified in section 2-2-307 (3)(a) and (3)(b), C.R.S., for attendance at meetings of the committee when the general assembly is in recess for more than three days or is not in session.

(5) During odd-numbered years, the president of the senate shall appoint the chair and the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint the vice-chair, and during even-numbered years, the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint the chair and the president of the senate shall appoint the vice-chair.

(6) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2002, p. 1099, § 1, effective June 3, 2002.)
C.R.S. § 37-50-126 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 50 / Section 37-50-126
37-50-126. Elections
Status: in_force

37-50-126. Elections. Whenever in this article an election of the electors of the district is permitted or required, the election may be held separately at a special election or may be held concurrently with any primary, general, or other election held under the laws of this state.
C.R.S. § 37-91-111 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 91 / Section 37-91-111
37-91-111. Violations and penalties
Status: in_force

37-91-111. Violations and penalties. (1) It is unlawful:

(a) For any person to represent himself as a well construction contractor or a pump installation contractor who is not licensed under this article or to so represent himself after his license has been suspended or revoked or has lapsed;

(b) For any person not licensed under this article to advertise or issue any sign, card, or other device which would indicate that he is a well construction contractor or a pump installation contractor;

(c) For any person not licensed or whose license is suspended to construct wells unless he is a private driller or directly employed by or under the supervision of a licensed well construction contractor;

(d) For any person not licensed or whose license is suspended to install pumping equipment unless he is a private pump installer or directly employed by or under the supervision of a licensed pump installation contractor, except as excluded pursuant to section 37-91-106 (4); or

(e) For any person to otherwise violate any of the provisions of this article.

(2) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (1) of this section commits a petty offense.

(3) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (1) of this section shall also be subject to a civil penalty assessed by the court of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars for each such violation. All civil penalties collected under this subsection (3) shall be transmitted to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the well inspection cash fund created in section 37-80-111.5.
C.R.S. § 37-95-107.6 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 95 / Section 37-95-107.6
37-95-107.6. Creation and administration of water pollution control revolving fund
Status: in_force

37-95-107.6. Creation and administration of water pollution control revolving fund. (1) There is hereby created in the authority the water pollution control revolving fund, which shall be maintained and administered by the authority and be available in perpetuity for the purposes stated in this section. The authority is authorized to establish such procedures as may be required to administer the water pollution control revolving fund in accordance with the clean water act and state law. The authority may create separate accounts in the water pollution control revolving fund, which accounts may be pledged and assigned as security for the payment of the bonds of the authority.

(2) (a) Subject to the provisions of the clean water act and agreements with the holders of bonds of the authority, the authority shall deposit in the water pollution control revolving fund grants from the federal government or its agencies allocated to the state for deposit in said fund; state matching funds where required; loan principal, interest, and penalty payments; and other moneys determined by the authority to be deposited therein.

(b) Moneys in the water pollution control revolving fund shall be expended in a manner consistent with terms and conditions of the clean water act and may be used to provide assistance to governmental agencies for the construction of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants that appear on the priority list under section 216 of the clean water act and as are defined in section 212 of the clean water act; for implementation of a nonpoint source pollution management program under section 319 of the clean water act; and for any other purposes permitted by the clean water act.

(c) Moneys on deposit in the water pollution control revolving fund may be used by the authority for wastewater treatment facilities through the making of loans to governmental agencies; purchasing or refinancing debt obligations of governmental agencies where the debt obligations were incurred after March 7, 1985; purchasing insurance for debt obligations of governmental agencies; securing or providing revenues for payment of the principal and interest on bonds of the authority; providing for the costs of administering the water pollution control revolving fund, including the administrative costs of state agencies; and providing for any other expenditure consistent with the clean water act and state law. Money not currently needed for the operation of the water pollution control revolving fund may be invested, and all interest earned on such investments shall be credited to the specific account, if any, in the water pollution control revolving fund.

(3) (a) The authority may make and contract to make loans to governmental agencies in accordance with and subject to the provisions of this section to finance the cost of wastewater treatment system projects that are on the water pollution control project eligibility list established pursuant to subsection (4) of this section and any other projects authorized under the clean water act and that the governmental agencies may lawfully undertake or acquire under state law, including applicable provisions of the "Colorado Water Quality Control Act", article 8 of title 25, and for which the governmental agencies are authorized by law to borrow money. The loans may be made subject to such terms and conditions as the authority shall determine to be consistent with the purposes of the loans. Each loan by the authority and the terms and conditions of the loan is subject to financial analysis by the division of local government of the department of local affairs. The financial analysis must include an analysis of the capacity to repay a loan and the need for financial assistance. Each loan to a local governmental agency must be evidenced by notes, bonds, or other obligations issued by the local governmental agency to the authority. In the case of each governmental agency, notes and bonds to be issued to the authority by the local governmental agency shall be authorized and issued as provided by law for the issuance of notes and bonds by the governmental agency, may be sold at private sale to the authority at any price, whether or not less than par value, and must be subject to redemption prior to maturity at such times and at such prices as the authority and governmental agency may agree. Each loan to a local governmental agency and the notes, bonds, or other obligations thereby issued must bear interest at a rate or rates per annum at or below the market interest rate and must be for terms that are agreed upon by the authority and the governmental agency and are in compliance with the clean water act.

(b) The authority is authorized, from moneys in the water pollution control revolving fund, to purchase or refinance or purchase insurance for the payment of all or any portion of the principal and interest on bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by a governmental agency to finance the cost of any wastewater treatment system project which the governmental agency may lawfully undertake or acquire under state law, including, but not limited to, applicable provisions of the "Colorado Water Quality Control Act", article 8 of title 25, C.R.S., and for which the governmental agency is authorized by law to borrow money. Each purchase or refinancing or purchase of insurance by the authority shall be subject to financial analysis by the division of local government in the department of local affairs. Such financial analysis shall include an analysis of the capacity to repay a loan and the need for financial assistance.

(c) The authority may charge to and collect from governmental agencies fees and charges in connection with the authority's loans or other services, including, but not limited to, fees and charges sufficient to reimburse the authority for all reasonable costs necessarily incurred by it in connection with its financing and the establishment and maintenance of reserves or other funds, as the authority may determine to be reasonable.

(4) (a) The initial water pollution control project eligibility list shall consist of those projects ranked one through thirty on the construction grant project priority list for federal funds adopted by the water quality control commission effective January 30, 1988.

(b) Additions or modifications to the water pollution control project eligibility list that have been developed by the water quality control commission shall be submitted to the general assembly on or before January 15 of each year. The additions and modifications shall be in conformance with applicable provisions of the clean water act and state law. On or before April 1 of each year, the additions or modifications shall be approved by a joint resolution presented to the governor in accordance with section 39 of article V of the state constitution.

(c) No funds may be expended from the water pollution control revolving fund or bonds issued by the authority pursuant to subsection (6) of this section for any wastewater treatment system project unless the wastewater treatment system project is on the water pollution control project eligibility list approved by the general assembly or is an emergency project in accordance with paragraph (d) of this subsection (4). Financial assistance for a project pursuant to this section may be provided regardless of the rank of such project on the eligibility list.

(d) The Colorado water quality control commission may amend the water pollution control project eligibility list at any time, in accordance with its regular procedures, to include wastewater treatment system projects that it determines and declares to be emergency projects needed to prevent or address threats to the public health or environment. No later than January 15 of each year, the authority shall provide to the general assembly a listing of all emergency projects for which moneys from the water pollution control revolving fund have been expended in the preceding calendar year.

(5) The division of local government in the department of local affairs, the division of administration in the department of health, and the authority shall develop an intended use plan in compliance with the clean water act.

(6) In order to finance the cost of making loans to governmental agencies and provide reserves therefor pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of this section, the authority is authorized to issue bonds pursuant to the provisions of this article.

(7) The authority, on behalf of the state, with the written approval of the department of health, is authorized to enter into such agreements with the United States as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the federal "Water Quality Act of 1987" (Pub.L. 100-4) and as otherwise may be required to provide for the capitalization of the water pollution control revolving fund from federal grant moneys.

(8) The provisions of sections 37-95-107 and 37-95-107.5 shall not be applicable to any wastewater treatment system project on the project eligibility list approved by the general assembly pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

(9) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other provision of this article, moneys on deposit in the water pollution control revolving fund may, if permitted by applicable federal law and the terms of any agreement between the state and the United States relating to the water pollution control revolving fund, be deposited by the authority, in its discretion, into one or more funds or accounts created or pledged to secure the payments of bonds issued by the authority in connection with the drinking water revolving fund created and administered under section 37-95-107.8. Any moneys transferred under this subsection (9) from the water pollution control revolving fund into or for the benefit of the drinking water revolving fund shall be repaid into the water pollution control revolving fund as soon as practicable.

(10) The authority may, acting in its discretion and with the approval of the governor, transfer moneys from the water pollution control revolving fund to the drinking water revolving fund created and administered pursuant to section 37-95-107.8, if the transfer of such moneys is permitted by applicable federal law and the terms of any agreement between the state and the United States relating to the water pollution control revolving fund.
C.R.S. § 37-90-108 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 90 / Section 37-90-108
37-90-108. Final permit - evidence of well construction and beneficial use - limitations
Status: in_force

37-90-108. Final permit - evidence of well construction and beneficial use - limitations. (1) (a) After having received a conditional permit to appropriate designated groundwater, the applicant, within one year from the date of the issuance of said permit, shall construct the well or other works necessary to apply the water to a beneficial use.

(b) The applicant, upon completion of the well, shall furnish information to the commission, in the form prescribed by the commission, as to the depth of the well, the water-bearing formations intercepted by the well, and the maximum sustained pumping rate in gallons per minute.

(c) If the well described in the conditional permit is not constructed within one year from the date of the issuance of the conditional permit as provided in this subsection (1), the conditional permit shall expire and be of no force or effect; except that, upon a showing of good cause, the commission may grant one extension of time only for a period not to exceed one year. If the well has been constructed timely but the completion information required by this subsection (1) has not been furnished to the commission, the procedures specified in subsection (6) of this section shall apply.

(2) (a) If the well or wells described in a conditional permit have been constructed in compliance with subsection (1) of this section, the applicant, within three years after the date of the issuance of said permit, shall furnish by sworn affidavit, in the form prescribed by the commission, evidence that water from such well or wells has been put to beneficial use; except that this paragraph (a) does not apply to a well described in a conditional permit to withdraw designated groundwater from the Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, or Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers.

(b) Such affidavit shall be prima facie evidence of the matters contained therein but shall be subject to objection by others, including ground water management districts, claiming to be injured thereby and to such verification and inquiry as the commission shall consider appropriate in each particular case.

(c) If such required affidavit is not furnished to the commission within the time and as provided in this subsection (2), the conditional permit shall expire and be of no force or effect except as provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(d) If the well described in a conditional permit issued to withdraw designated groundwater from the Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, or Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers has been constructed in compliance with subsection (1) of this section, the applicant shall file a notice with the commission of commencement of beneficial use on a form prescribed by the commission within thirty days after the first beneficial use of any water withdrawn from the well.

(3) (a) (I) To the extent that the commission finds that water has been put to a beneficial use and that the other terms of the conditional permit have been complied with and after publication of the information required in the final permit, as provided in section 37-90-112, the commission shall order the state engineer to issue a final permit to use designated groundwater, containing such limitations and conditions as the commission deems necessary to prevent waste and to protect the rights of other appropriators. In determining the extent of beneficial use for the purpose of issuing final permits, the commission may use the same criteria for determining the amount of water used on each acre that has been irrigated that is used in evaluating the amount of water available for appropriation under section 37-90-107. This subparagraph (I) does not apply to a well described in a conditional permit issued to withdraw designated groundwater from the Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, or Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers.

(II) A final permit is not required to be issued for a well described in a conditional permit to withdraw designated groundwater from the Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, or Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers. For such a well, a conditional permit, subject to the conditions of issuance of such a permit, shall be considered a final determination of a well's water right if the well is in compliance with all other applicable requirements of this article.

(b) In determining the extent of beneficial use prior to the issuance of a final permit, the commission may either increase or decrease the quantity of water and the amount of irrigated acreage, if any, according to the evidence presented to the commission, but no increase shall be permitted which will increase the quantity of water beyond that authorized by the original decree, conditional permit, registration statement, or other well permit issued prior to basin designation or which otherwise will unreasonably affect the rights of other appropriators.

(c) Any owner of an existing valid conditional permit issued before July 1, 1978, may file with the commission an amended statement of beneficial use, in the form prescribed by the commission, on or before December 31, 1979, and not thereafter, if any such change occurred and was approved on or before August 5, 1977.

(4) The procedural requirement that a statement of beneficial use shall be filed shall apply to all permits wherein the water was put to beneficial use since May 17, 1965. If information pertaining to completion of the well as required in subsection (1) of this section has been received but evidence that water has been placed to beneficial use has not been received as of three years after the date of issuance of the conditional permit, the commission shall so notify the applicant by certified mail. The notice shall give the applicant the opportunity to submit proof that the water was put to beneficial use prior to three years after the date of issuance of the conditional permit. The proof must be received by the commission within twenty days after receipt of the notice by the applicant, and, if the conditional permit was issued on or after July 14, 1975, the proof must be accompanied by a filing fee of thirty dollars. If the commission finds the proof to be satisfactory, the conditional permit shall remain in force and effect. The commission shall consider any records of the commission and any evidence provided to the commission and all other matters set forth in this section in determining whether the conditional permit should remain in force and effect.

(5) (a) All final permits must set forth the following information as a minimum:

(I) The priority date;

(II) The name of the claimant;

(III) The quarter-quarter in which the well is located;

(IV) The maximum annual volume of the appropriation in acre-feet per year;

(V) The maximum pumping rate in gallons per minute; and

(VI) The maximum number of acres that have been irrigated, if used for irrigation.

(b) Notwithstanding any rule of law to the contrary other than a change of use case under section 37-90-111 (1)(g), once the state engineer issues a final permit for the withdrawal of designated groundwater pursuant to this section, a reduction in the amount of water used pursuant to the permit due to the conservation of water is not grounds to reduce:

(I) The maximum annual volume of the appropriation in acre-feet per year;

(II) The maximum pumping rate in gallons per minute; or

(III) The maximum number of acres that have been irrigated, if used for irrigation.

(6) The procedural requirement that the well completion information required by subsection (1) of this section be furnished to the commission shall apply to all permits issued after May 17, 1965. If the well has been constructed within twenty-four months after the date of issuance of the permit where the permit was issued before June 7, 1979, or within twelve months after the date of issuance of the permit where the permit was issued on or after June 7, 1979, or by the expiration date of the permit, including any extension, but the completion information has not been furnished to the commission within six months after said allowable time for the well completion, the commission shall so notify the applicant by certified mail. The notice shall give the applicant the opportunity to submit proof that the well was completed within the time specified above or by the expiration date of the permit and to submit the information required by subsection (1) of this section and a showing that, due to excusable neglect, inadvertence, or mistake, the applicant failed to submit the evidence and information on time. The proof and information must be received by the commission within twenty days after receipt of the notice by the applicant and must be accompanied by a filing fee of thirty dollars. If the commission finds the proof to be satisfactory, the permit shall remain in force and effect. The commission shall consider any records of the commission and any evidence provided to the commission and all other matters set forth in this section in determining whether the permit should remain in force and effect.

(7) Notwithstanding the amount specified for any fee in this section, the commission by rule or as otherwise provided by law may reduce the amount of one or more of the fees if necessary pursuant to section 24-75-402 (3), C.R.S., to reduce the uncommitted reserves of the fund to which all or any portion of one or more of the fees is credited. After the uncommitted reserves of the fund are sufficiently reduced, the commission by rule or as otherwise provided by law may increase the amount of one or more of the fees as provided in section 24-75-402 (4), C.R.S.
C.R.S. § 37-5-109 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 5 / Section 37-5-109
37-5-109. Readjustment of maintenance fund assessments
Status: in_force

37-5-109. Readjustment of maintenance fund assessments. (1) Whenever the owners or representatives of twenty-five percent or more of the acreage or value of the lands in the district file a petition in the court in which the original petition was filed, stating that there has been a material change in the values of the property in the district since the last previous appraisal of benefits, and praying for a readjustment of the appraisal of benefits for the purpose of making a more equitable basis for the levy of the maintenance fund assessment, the court shall by order fix a time and place for a hearing thereon, and thereupon the clerk of the court shall give notice by publication of the filing of and hearing upon said petition, in such manner as the court shall provide in the order for such hearing.

(2) Upon the hearing of said petition, if said court finds that there has been a material change in the value of property in said district since the last previous appraisal of benefits, the court shall order that there be a readjustment of the appraisal of benefits for the sole purpose of providing a basis upon which to levy the maintenance assessments of said district. Thereupon the court shall direct the appraisers of the conservancy district to make such readjustment of appraisals in the manner provided in articles 1 to 8 of this title, and said appraisers shall make their report, and the same proceedings shall be had thereon, as nearly as may be, as are provided in this article for the appraisal of benefits accruing for original construction; except that in making the readjustment of the appraisal of benefits said appraisal shall not be limited to the aggregate amount of the original or any previous appraisal of benefits, and after the making of such readjustment, the limitation of the annual maintenance assessment to one percent of the total appraised benefits shall, unless otherwise ordered by the court, apply to the amount of benefits as readjusted; and except that there shall be no such readjustment of benefits oftener than once in ten years.
C.R.S. § 37-48-158 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 48 / Section 37-48-158
37-48-158. Board to certify tax assessments
Status: in_force

37-48-158. Board to certify tax assessments. To maintain, operate, and preserve ditches, canals, reservoirs, or other improvements made pursuant to this article and to strengthen, repair, and restore the same, when needed, for operation of any plan of water management, and for the purpose of defraying any incidental expenses of the subdistrict, the board of directors may, at the time of certification of the general district mill levy to the boards of county commissioners of the counties in which the district is located, certify also, to the boards of county commissioners of the counties in which said subdistrict or any part thereof is located, an additional assessment upon the taxable property within the subdistrict, not to exceed five mills for every dollar of valuation for assessment within said subdistrict, for the purpose of raising funds to be used for the maintenance and operation of the subdistrict's official plan. If there is a board of managers for the subdistrict, the amount of money needed to be raised by such assessment shall be certified by the board of managers to the district board of directors in time for inclusion of the amount in the district budget for the succeeding calendar year. Assessments so certified shall be levied by the boards of county commissioners of the counties in which said subdistrict is situate on the property of said subdistrict in their respective counties, to be collected by the county treasurers of the several counties and delivered to the treasurer of the district in like manner and with like effect as is provided for the collection and return of other assessments under this article. The whole assessment shall be due and payable as and when taxes for county purposes levied in the same year are due and payable. The said assessments shall be in addition to any special improvement assessment or special assessment that has been levied against benefits appraised for and on account of construction.
C.R.S. § 37-22-105 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 22 / Section 37-22-105
37-22-105. Warrants - no funds - interest
Status: in_force

37-22-105. Warrants - no funds - interest. When any warrants of a drainage district are presented to the treasurer and there are no funds in his hands to pay the same, he shall stamp the same in the same manner as ordinary county warrants are stamped, and they shall draw interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the date of their presentation until paid.
C.R.S. § 37-23-108 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 23 / Section 37-23-108
37-23-108. Assessment list
Status: in_force

37-23-108. Assessment list. The assessment list shall be completed on or before July 15, and, on the first Tuesday of August in each year and from day to day thereafter, Sundays excepted, the board of directors shall sit to hear complaints and to correct errors in said assessment until all complaints filed with the secretary or presented to the board have had an opportunity to be heard and determined. The classification of any lands on the graduated scale shall not be changed or determined at said hearings.
C.R.S. § 37-92-102 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 92 / Part 1 / Section 37-92-102
37-92-102. Legislative declaration - basic tenets of Colorado water law
Status: in_force

37-92-102. Legislative declaration - basic tenets of Colorado water law. (1) (a) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Colorado that all water in or tributary to natural surface streams, not including nontributary groundwater as that term is defined in section 37-90-103, originating in or flowing into this state have always been and are hereby declared to be the property of the public, dedicated to the use of the people of the state, subject to appropriation and use in accordance with sections 5 and 6 of article XVI of the state constitution and this article. As incident thereto, it is the policy of this state to integrate the appropriation, use, and administration of underground water tributary to a stream with the use of surface water in such a way as to maximize the beneficial use of all of the waters of this state.

(b) A stream system which arises as a natural surface stream and, as a natural or man-induced phenomenon, terminates within the state of Colorado through naturally occurring evaporation and transpiration of its waters, together with its underflow and tributary waters, is a natural surface stream subject to appropriation as provided in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1).

(2) Recognizing that previous and existing laws have given inadequate attention to the development and use of underground waters of the state, that the use of underground waters as an independent source or in conjunction with surface waters is necessary to the present and future welfare of the people of this state, and that the future welfare of the state depends upon a sound and flexible integrated use of all waters of the state, it is hereby declared to be the further policy of the state of Colorado that, in the determination of water rights, uses, and administration of water, the following principles shall apply:

(a) Water rights and uses vested prior to June 7, 1969, in any person by virtue of previous or existing laws, including an appropriation from a well, shall be protected subject to the provisions of this article.

(b) The existing use of groundwater, either independently or in conjunction with surface rights, shall be recognized to the fullest extent possible, subject to the preservation of other existing vested rights, but, at his own point of diversion on a natural watercourse, each diverter must establish some reasonable means of effectuating his diversion. He is not entitled to command the whole flow of the stream merely to facilitate his taking the fraction of the whole flow to which he is entitled.

(c) The use of groundwater may be considered as an alternate or supplemental source of supply for surface decrees entered prior to June 7, 1969, taking into consideration both previous usage and the necessity to protect the vested rights of others.

(d) No reduction of any lawful diversion because of the operation of the priority system shall be permitted unless such reduction would increase the amount of water available to and required by water rights having senior priorities.

(3) Further recognizing the need to correlate the activities of mankind with some reasonable preservation of the natural environment, the Colorado water conservation board is hereby vested with the exclusive authority, on behalf of the people of the state of Colorado, to appropriate in a manner consistent with sections 5 and 6 of article XVI of the state constitution, such waters of natural streams and lakes as the board determines may be required for minimum streamflows or for natural surface water levels or volumes for natural lakes to preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. In the adjudication of water rights pursuant to this article and other applicable law, no other person or entity shall be granted a decree adjudicating a right to water or interests in water for instream flows in a stream channel between specific points, or for natural surface water levels or volumes for natural lakes, for any purpose whatsoever. The board also may acquire, by grant, purchase, donation, bequest, devise, lease, exchange, or other contractual agreement, from or with any person, including any governmental entity, such water, water rights, or interests in water that are not on the division engineer's abandonment list in such amount as the board determines is appropriate for streamflows or for natural surface water levels or volumes for natural lakes to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. At the request of any person, including any governmental entity, the board shall determine in a timely manner, not to exceed one hundred twenty days unless further time is granted by the requesting person or entity, what terms and conditions it will accept in a contract or agreement for such acquisition. Any contract or agreement executed between the board and any person or governmental entity that provides water, water rights, or interests in water to the board shall be enforceable by either party thereto as a water matter under this article, according to the terms of the contract or agreement. The board shall adopt criteria for evaluating proposed contracts or agreements for leases or loans of water, water rights, or interests in water under this subsection (3), including, but not limited to, criteria addressing public notice, the extent to which the leased or loaned water will benefit the natural environment to a reasonable degree, and calculation of the compensation paid to the lessor of the water based upon the use of the water after the term of the lease. As a condition of approval of a proposed contract or agreement for a lease or loan of water, water rights, or interests in water pursuant to this subsection (3), the board shall obtain confirmation from the division engineer that the proposal is administrable and is capable of meeting all applicable statutory requirements. All contracts or agreements entered into by the board for leases or loans of water, water rights, or interests in water pursuant to this subsection (3) shall require the board to maintain records of how much water the board uses under the contract or agreement each year it is in effect and to install any measuring devices deemed necessary by the division engineer to administer the contract or agreement and to measure and record how much water flows out of the reach after use by the board under the contract or agreement, unless a measuring device already exists on the stream that meets the division engineer's requirements. All contracts or agreements for water, water rights, or interests in water under this subsection (3) shall provide that, pursuant to the water court decree implementing the contract or agreement, the board or the lessor, lender, or donor of the water may bring about beneficial use of the historical consumptive use of the leased, loaned, or donated water right downstream of the instream flow reach as fully consumable reusable water. The board shall file a change of water right application or other application with the water court to obtain a decreed right to use water for instream flow purposes under a contract or agreement for a lease or loan of water, water rights, or interests in water pursuant to this subsection (3). The resulting water court decree shall quantify the historical consumptive use of the leased or loaned water right and determine the method by which the historical consumptive use should be quantified and credited during the term of the agreement for the lease or loan of the water right. Said method shall recognize the actual amount of consumptive use available under the leased or loaned water right and shall not result in a reduction of the historical consumptive use of that water right during the term of the lease or loan, except to the extent such reduction is based upon the actual amount of water available under said rights. All water rights under such decrees shall be administered in priority. The board may not accept a donation of water rights that either would require the removal of existing infrastructure without approval of the current owner of such infrastructure or that were acquired by condemnation. The board may use any funds available to it for acquisition of water rights and their conversion to instream flow rights. The board may initiate such applications as it determines are necessary or desirable for utilizing water, water rights, or interests in water appropriated, acquired, or held by the board, including applications for changes of water rights, exchanges, or augmentation plans. Prior to the initiation of any such appropriation or acquisition, the board shall request recommendations from the division of parks and wildlife. The board also shall request recommendations from the United States department of agriculture and the United States department of the interior. Nothing in this article shall be construed as authorizing any state agency to acquire water by eminent domain or to deprive the people of the state of Colorado of the beneficial use of those waters available by law and interstate compact. Nothing in this subsection (3) shall impact section 37-60-121 (2.5). Any appropriation made pursuant to this subsection (3) shall be subject to the following principles and limitations:

(a) Any such appropriation which is based upon water imported from one water division to another by some other appropriator shall not, as against the appropriator of such imported water or his successor in interest, constitute a claim, bar, or use for any purpose whatsoever.

(b) Any such appropriation shall be subject to the present uses or exchanges of water being made by other water users pursuant to appropriation or practices in existence on the date of such appropriation, whether or not previously confirmed by court order or decree.

(c) Before initiating a water rights filing, the board shall determine that the natural environment will be preserved to a reasonable degree by the water available for the appropriation to be made; that there is a natural environment that can be preserved to a reasonable degree with the board's water right, if granted; and that such environment can exist without material injury to water rights.

(c.5) Notwithstanding section 37-92-103 (6), as to any application filed by the board on or after July 1, 1994, the board may not acquire conditional water rights or change conditional water rights to instream flow uses.

(d) Nothing in this section is intended or shall be construed to allow condemnation by this state or any person of easements or rights-of-way across private lands to gain access to a segment of a stream or lake where a water right decree has been awarded to the Colorado water conservation board.

(e) All recommendations, including those of the United States, which are transmitted to the board for water to be retained in streams or lakes to preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree must be made with specificity and in writing in order that any appropriation made by the board may be integrated into the statewide system for the administration of water rights. Filings for appropriations by the board shall be consistent with other appropriations and with the requirements of this article.

(4) Any appropriation made pursuant to subsection (3) of this section shall also be subject to the following principles and limitations:

(a) Utilizing a public notice and comment procedure, the board, in its discretion, may determine whether or not to appropriate minimum streamflows or natural lake levels, or decrease such an appropriation, to preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. The board may adopt conditions attached to an appropriation or decreased appropriation, may file or withdraw statements of opposition in water court cases, and enter into stipulations for decrees or other forms of contractual agreements, including enforcement agreements, that it determines will preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. All contractual agreements and stipulations entered into by the board prior to May 23, 1996, regarding enforcement of its appropriations shall be given full force and effect. Any increase to an existing minimum streamflow or natural lake level appropriation or decree shall be made as a new appropriation.

(b) (I) Except as provided pursuant to paragraph (d) of this subsection (4), if the board determines that it is appropriate to consider decreasing an existing decreed appropriation, the board shall proceed through an adequate public notice and comment process to consider such decrease at a public meeting.

(II) For the purposes of this paragraph (b), "adequate public notice and comment process" shall include the following:

(A) Notice of the proposed decrease and the date of the public meeting at which it will first be considered shall be printed in the resume in the water court having jurisdiction over the decree that is the subject of the decrease. The first public meeting of the board at which the decrease is to be considered shall occur at least sixty-three days after the month in which the resume is published. Notice shall also be published in a newspaper of statewide distribution within thirty-five to forty-nine days prior to such first public meeting.

(B) If the board decides at such first public meeting to consider the proposed decrease, the board shall announce publicly the date of a subsequent public meeting for such purpose.

(C) On the written request of any person made within thirty-five days after the date of the first public meeting, the board shall delay the subsequent public meeting for up to one year to allow such person the opportunity for the collection of scientific data material to the proposed decrease. Such request may not be interposed solely for delay of the proceedings.

(D) On the written request of any person made within thirty-five days after the date of the first public meeting, the board shall, within sixty-three days after such request, establish fair and formal procedures for the subsequent public meeting, including the opportunity for reasonable disclosure, discovery, subpoenas, direct examination, and cross examination, and may promulgate rules that will assure orderly procedures. Subject to these rights and requirements, where a meeting will be expedited and the interests of the participants will not be substantially prejudiced thereby, the board may receive all or part of the evidence in written form.

(III) The board's final written determination regarding the decrease shall state its effective date, be mailed promptly to the persons who appeared by written or oral comment at the board's proceeding, and be filed promptly with the water court. Within thirty-five days after such effective date, any person who appeared by written or oral comment at the board's proceeding may file with the water court and serve the board a petition for judicial review of the board's determination that the decreed appropriation as decreased will preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree, based on the administrative record and utilizing the criteria of section 24-4-106 (6) and (7), C.R.S. Any such person may request a stay in accordance with the criteria of section 24-4-106 (5), C.R.S., pending the review proceeding. If no petition is filed, the court shall promptly enter an order decreasing the board's appropriation decree in accordance with the board's written determination. If a petition is filed, the court shall promptly order briefing and oral argument and render its decision to affirm or set aside the board's determination. If the board's determination is affirmed, the court shall promptly enter an order decreasing the board's appropriation decree in accordance with the board's written determination. If the board's determination is set aside, the court shall enter its order of relief under the provisions of section 24-4-106 (7), C.R.S. Appellate review of the court's order shall be as allowed in other water matters.

(c) The board's determinations regarding the matters to be determined by the board under paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of this section and paragraph (d) of this subsection (4) for new appropriations shall be subject to judicial review in the water court application and decree proceedings initiated by the board, based on the board's administrative record and utilizing the criteria of section 24-4-106 (6) and (7), C.R.S. The board may file applications for changes of water rights and augmentation plans, and the water court shall determine matters that are within the scope of section 37-92-305.

(d) The board may participate in the recovery implementation program for endangered fish species in the upper Colorado river basin and appropriate and obtain decrees for minimum instream flows or natural lake levels, including decree provisions for modification and enforcement, the implementation of which shall not be subject to paragraph (b) of this subsection (4), as it determines will preserve the natural environment of the Colorado river endangered fish within Colorado to a reasonable degree while protecting existing uses within Colorado and not depriving the people of the state of Colorado of the beneficial use of those waters available by law and interstate compact.

(e) Sub-subparagraphs (A) and (C) of subparagraph (II) of paragraph (b) of this subsection (4) shall not apply to the board's consideration of any proposed decrease which was included in a meeting notice and agenda issued by the board prior to May 23, 1996, whether or not the board had scheduled or taken any action on the proposal by such date. Sub-subparagraph (D) of subparagraph (II) of paragraph (b) of this subsection (4) shall not apply to such a proposal so long as the board establishes fair and formal procedures pursuant to such sub-subparagraph (D) at or before the first public meeting thereon for any subsequent public meeting, including the opportunity for reasonable disclosure, discovery, subpoenas, direct examination, and cross examination of witnesses. All other provisions in paragraph (b) of this subsection (4) shall apply to any decrease after May 23, 1996.

(4.5) Plan for augmentation to augment streamflows. (a) Legislative declaration. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that the Colorado water conservation board would benefit from direction with regard to water court applications for plans for augmentation to augment streamflows, as identified in subsection (3) of this section.

(b) Plan approval. To obtain a decreed plan for augmentation, the board, either as sole applicant or together with an owner of a decreed water right for which a change of water rights to include any augmentation use has been judicially approved, must file an application with the water court for approval of a plan for augmentation to augment streamflows and protect augmentation deliveries made pursuant to the plan for augmentation within a specific stream reach or reaches, at rates the board determines are appropriate to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. The application and approval process for a plan for augmentation to augment streamflows are subject to the following principles and limitations:

(I) The board may file an application only if the owner of the water right that is decreed for augmentation use is identified in the application and consents to the application.

(II) The procedures, standards, and requirements of this article 92 for plans for augmentation apply to applications filed under this subsection (4.5).

(III) A plan filed under this subsection (4.5) must use, for augmentation only, water rights:

(A) For which the historical consumptive use has been quantified; and

(B) For which a change of water rights to include any augmentation use has been judicially approved.

(IV) If the augmentation water right meets the requirements of subsection (4.5)(b)(III) of this section, no further change of that augmentation water right is required.

(V) The use of water as part of a plan for augmentation to augment streamflows is subject to the terms and conditions of any applicable decree to which that water is subject.

(VI) Additional terms and conditions must be imposed on the use of water as part of a plan for augmentation to augment streamflows as necessary to prevent injury to the owners of vested water rights or decreed conditional water rights. The terms and conditions must include terms and conditions to prevent injury to other water rights that result from any change in the time, place, or amount of water available for diversion or exchange to the extent that other appropriators have relied upon the stream conditions that resulted from the historical use of the augmentation water rights described in subsection (4.5)(b)(III) of this section or added pursuant to section 37-92-305 (8)(c) before their use in the plan for augmentation of streamflows. A junior appropriator is entitled to the continuation of stream conditions as the conditions existed at the time of the junior appropriator's appropriation.

(VII) An applicant must prove that the plan for augmentation to augment streamflows will not injure other water users' undecreed existing exchanges of water to the extent the undecreed existing exchanges of water have been administratively approved before the date of the filing of the application for approval of the plan for augmentation to augment streamflows.

(VIII) The augmentation water used to augment streamflows in a plan for augmentation to augment streamflows shall not be diverted within the specific stream reach by an exchange, plan for substitution, plan for augmentation, or other means that cause a reduction of the augmentation water added to that stream reach. The augmentation water is subject to such reasonable transit losses as may be imposed by the water court or the state and division engineers.

(IX) If operation of a plan for augmentation requires the use of, or making of physical modifications to, an existing diversion structure within a stream reach to allow the augmentation water to bypass the structure, the operator of the plan must have consent from the owner of the existing structure and bear all reasonable construction costs associated with any physical modifications and all reasonable operational and maintenance costs incurred by the owner of the structure that would not have been incurred in the absence of the physical modifications to the structure.

(c) Saving clause. This subsection (4.5):

(I) Does not impair or in any way affect any water court decree, administrative authorization, or agreement that allows water decreed for environmental, piscatorial, water quality, recreational, or other in-channel purposes to be used in the natural stream channel for the decreed purposes;

(II) Is not intended to be the exclusive means of authorizing water decreed for augmentation purposes to be used for environmental, piscatorial, water quality, recreational, or other in-channel purposes, including the maintenance of dominion and control over the water released from a specific reservoir;

(III) Does not authorize, restrict, or preclude future water rights appropriations, administrative authorizations, or other agreements for the purposes listed in this subsection (4.5); and

(IV) Does not affect applications by the Colorado water conservation board for plans for augmentation not described in this subsection (4.5).

(5) Within thirty-five days after initiating any water rights filing for the adjudication of a recreational in-channel diversion, any county, municipality, city and county, water district, water and sanitation district, water conservation district, or water conservancy district shall submit a copy of the water rights application to the board for review.

(6) (a) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 906, § 1, effective May 11, 2006.)

(b) The board, after deliberation in a public meeting, shall consider the following factors and make written findings as to each:

(I) Whether the adjudication and administration of the recreational in-channel diversion would materially impair the ability of Colorado to fully develop and place to consumptive beneficial use its compact entitlements;

(II) and (III) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 906, § 1, effective May 11, 2006.)

(IV) Whether exercise of the recreational in-channel diversion would cause material injury to instream flow water rights appropriated pursuant to subsections (3) and (4) of this section; and

(V) Whether adjudication and administration of the recreational in-channel diversion would promote maximum utilization of waters of the state.

(VI) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2006, p. 906, § 1, effective May 11, 2006.)

(c) Within ninety days after the filing of statements of opposition, the board shall report its findings to the water court for review pursuant to section 37-92-305 (13). The board may fully participate in the water court proceedings.

(d) Nothing in subsection (5) of this section or this subsection (6) shall apply in any way to any application for a water right or conditional water right for recreational in-channel diversion purposes that was filed prior to January 1, 2001.

(e) Nothing in subsection (5) of this section or this subsection (6) shall apply in any way to any water right or conditional water right for recreational in-channel diversion purposes for which a decree was entered prior to June 5, 2001, including any proceeding concerning diligence on such conditional water right or any proceeding to make such conditional water right absolute.

(7) Water users served by a provider of municipal or industrial water supplies may use graywater and install graywater treatment works, as those terms are defined in section 25-8-103 (8.3) and (8.4), C.R.S., if:

(a) The use of graywater is limited to the confines of the operation that generates the graywater;

(b) Graywater is used for purposes that are permissible under the municipality's or water district's water rights; and

(c) Graywater is used in compliance with the requirements of section 25-8-205 (1)(g), C.R.S.

(8) Reservoir releases for fish and wildlife mitigation - definitions. (a) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:

(I) Allowing the owner of a water storage right that allows water to be stored in new reservoir capacity to contract with the board to dedicate to the board water stored under the water storage right for release from the new reservoir capacity to reasonably avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts of the new reservoir capacity on fish and wildlife resources within an identified stream reach may enable the owner of the water storage right to comply with mitigation measures identified in a fish and wildlife mitigation plan approved under section 37-60-122.2;

(II) Accordingly, for the limited purpose of providing additional methods to comply with a fish and wildlife mitigation plan approved under section 37-60-122.2, it is appropriate to create a water court process to allow the owner of a water storage right that allows water to be stored in new reservoir capacity, a portion of which water will then be dedicated to the board, to:

(A) Obtain protection for water to be released from the new reservoir capacity, up to the amount of water that is appropriate for streamflows to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach; and

(B) Maintain dominion and control over the released water through a qualifying stream reach;

(III) The released water subject to a protected mitigation release authorized under this subsection (8) must be rediverted at or below the downstream termination point of the qualifying stream reach, either directly at a surface point of diversion or by a decreed exchange as permitted in this subsection (8) for use by an owner for the decreed beneficial uses of that water storage right;

(IV) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (8), the contractual dedication to the board must comply with the procedures and protections for other water rights specified in subsection (3) of this section;

(V) The water court process and resulting decree must ensure that:

(A) Protected mitigation releases do not expand the water storage right that is to provide the water for the protected mitigation releases or injure other water rights;

(B) The protected mitigation releases will be protected through the qualifying stream reach up to the amount of water that is appropriate for streamflows to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach; and

(C) Diversions of the protected mitigation releases within the qualifying stream reach by exchanges, substitution plans, augmentation plans, or other means that cause a reduction in the protected mitigation releases within the qualifying stream reach, other than reductions caused by evaporation, transportation, and other losses, will be prevented; and

(VI) Through the dedication of the protected mitigation releases to the board under the procedures set forth in subsection (3) of this section, except as otherwise provided in this subsection (8), and through the water court decree approving the protected mitigation releases, the protected mitigation releases will serve a secondary instream beneficial use, specifically the preservation or improvement of the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach.

(b) As used in this subsection (8):

(I) "Board" means the Colorado water conservation board created in section 37-60-102.

(II) "Mitigation release" means:

(A) The release of water from a water storage right stored in new reservoir capacity into a qualifying stream reach to reasonably avoid, minimize, or mitigate the impacts of the new reservoir capacity on fish and wildlife resources within the qualifying stream reach in accordance with a fish and wildlife mitigation plan approved under section 37-60-122.2; and

(B) The rediversion of the released water at or below the downstream termination point of the qualifying stream reach, either directly at a surface point of diversion or by a decreed in-priority exchange to an exchange-to point identified in the decreed in-priority exchange that is outside of the qualifying stream reach, for use by an owner for the decreed beneficial uses of that water storage right.

(III) "New reservoir capacity" means additional water storage capacity resulting from the construction of a new reservoir or a physical enlargement of an existing reservoir if the construction or physical enlargement is completed on or after August 8, 2018.

(IV) "Owner" means the person that owns the water storage right that is to provide the water for a protected mitigation release, and, in the case of a water storage right owned by a water conservancy district, water conservation district, municipality, special district, or mutual ditch company, includes the residents, allottees, members, customers, shareholders, or member ditch companies of that entity; and, in the case of a water storage right owned by an irrigation district, includes the landowners within the district.

(V) "Protected mitigation release" means the amount of water to be released for a mitigation release that:

(A) The board determines is appropriate for streamflows to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within an identified qualifying stream reach;

(B) Is approved by a water court decree pursuant to this subsection (8); and

(C) Is protected from diversion, exchange, or use by holders of conditional or vested water rights or other persons that cause a reduction in the protected mitigation release at any location within the qualifying stream reach, other than any reductions caused by evaporation, transportation, and other losses.

(VI) "Qualifying stream reach" means all or a portion of a natural stream of the state that is identified in a fish and wildlife mitigation plan approved under section 37-60-122.2 and within which the board determines, and the water court decree approves in accordance with this subsection (8), that water from a protected mitigation release is appropriate for streamflows to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. A qualifying stream reach must be identified by an upstream point at which the protected mitigation release enters the natural stream and a downstream termination point.

(VII) "Surface point of diversion" means a structure that diverts surface water only. "Surface point of diversion" does not include:

(A) A structure that diverts groundwater, whether through a well, infiltration gallery, or other type of groundwater diversion structure; or

(B) Delivery into a facility used to recharge an alluvial aquifer.

(c) (I) An owner may, in accordance with and after complying with the requirements of this subsection (8), make a protected mitigation release.

(II) Holders of conditional or vested water rights or other persons shall not divert, exchange upon, or use a protected mitigation release within the qualifying stream reach unless the diversion, exchange, or use is fully augmented so that there is no reduction in the protected mitigation release at any location within the qualifying stream reach, other than reductions caused by evaporation, transportation, and other losses.

(III) The state engineer shall administer protected mitigation releases made in accordance with this subsection (8) and the terms and conditions of decrees approving protected mitigation releases.

(IV) (A) Except for reductions caused by evaporation, transportation, and other losses, and subject to subsections (8)(c)(IV)(B) and (8)(c)(IV)(C) of this section, an owner shall: Redivert all protected mitigation releases at or below the downstream termination point of the qualifying stream reach, either directly at a surface point of diversion or by a decreed in-priority exchange to an exchange-to point identified in the decreed in-priority exchange that is outside of the qualifying stream reach; and apply the water to the decreed beneficial uses of the water storage right that provides the water for the protected mitigation release.

(B) Except as provided in subsection (8)(c)(IV)(C) of this section, an owner may redivert water associated with protected mitigation releases in accordance with subsection (8)(c)(IV)(A) of this section by exchange into storage, which exchange shall be administered with a priority date no earlier than the date of approval of the fish and wildlife mitigation and enhancement plan pursuant to section 37-60-122.2, and subsequently apply the water to the decreed beneficial uses of the water storage right that provides the water for the protected mitigation release.

(C) An owner shall not redivert water associated with protected mitigation releases by exchange through all or a portion of the qualifying stream reach or to the reservoir of origin.

(V) Water present in the qualifying stream reach, other than the protected mitigation releases, remains available to other water users for beneficial uses and may be diverted and beneficially used by other water users in accordance with the priority system and any relevant decree.

(VI) The procedures set forth in this subsection (8) apply only to the adjudication of proposed protected mitigation releases from new reservoir capacity and do not alter the procedures or legal standards applicable to any other type of water court application.

(VII) An application for approval of a proposed protected mitigation release filed in accordance with this subsection (8) must not include, and shall not be consolidated or joined with, any other water court application.

(d) An owner that intends to make protected mitigation releases in accordance with this subsection (8) shall, before any such releases may be administered as protected mitigation releases:

(I) Dedicate the proposed protected mitigation releases to the board by grant, donation, or other contractual agreement in accordance with subsections (3) and (8)(e) of this section;

(II) Agree to make the proposed protected mitigation releases available to the board within the qualifying stream reach;

(III) With the board as a co-applicant, file an application in water court in the water division in which the new reservoir capacity is located, seeking approval of the proposed protected mitigation releases, by the last day of the twelfth month following the month in which the new reservoir capacity is certified for storage by the state engineer; except that an application must not include any other claim for relief; and

(IV) Obtain a final water court decree approving the protected mitigation releases.

(e) (I) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (8)(e), a dedication to the board pursuant to subsection (8)(d)(I) of this section of an interest in water yielded from a water storage right that will be stored in new reservoir capacity is subject to subsection (3) of this section for the dedication of an interest in water to the board, including the requirement in subsection (3) of this section that the board make a determination that the proposed protected mitigation releases are appropriate for streamflows to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach.

(II) The board's contractual interest in water acquired in accordance with this subsection (8) may be yielded from a water right that is either absolute or conditional at the time of acquisition.

(III) To obtain a decreed right to use proposed protected mitigation releases for instream flow purposes, the owner and the board need not file an application with the water court to change the water storage right from which the proposed protected mitigation releases are to be made.

(IV) The board need not hold a decreed appropriation for instream flows within the qualifying stream reach as a prerequisite for an owner to dedicate proposed protected mitigation releases to the board in accordance with this subsection (8).

(f) (I) To satisfy the requirements of subsections (8)(d)(III) and (8)(d)(IV) of this section, the board and the owner must file a water court application as co-applicants pursuant to subsection (8)(d)(III) of this section. The water court shall enter a decree approving the proposed protected mitigation releases if:

(A) The board demonstrates that it has duly determined in accordance with this subsection (8) and with subsection (3) of this section that the proposed protected mitigation releases are appropriate for streamflows to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach. If a party challenges the board's determination in the water court proceeding, the board shall assemble and submit to the court the complete administrative record upon which the board made the determination. The court shall base its review of the board's determination on the administrative record, using the criteria set forth in section 24-4-106 (6) and (7).

(B) The owner proves that the proposed protected mitigation releases: Will not cause an expansion of use beyond the limits of use of the decreed water storage right from which the mitigation releases are to be made; will not cause injury to vested water rights, decreed conditional water rights, subsequently adjudicated water rights that are the subject of a pending water court application filed before August 8, 2018, or other water users' uses or exchanges of water being made pursuant to appropriation or practices in existence on the date of the filing of the application for approval of the proposed protected mitigation releases; are administrable by the division engineer; and have been dedicated to and approved by the board in compliance with the requirements and procedures of subsection (8)(e) of this section.

(II) For purposes of determining injury pursuant to subsection (8)(f)(I)(B) of this section, the inability of other water users to divert, exchange upon, or use the proposed protected mitigation releases within the qualifying stream reach shall not be considered injury.

(III) The water court shall not requantify the water storage right from which the protected mitigation releases are proposed to be made.

(IV) A decree approving a protected mitigation release must contain the terms and conditions necessary to prevent injury to other water rights, prevent the expansion of use of the decreed water storage right from which the protected mitigation release is to be made, and ensure that the protected mitigation releases are administrable by the division engineer, including, if necessary, to prevent injury or expansion of use of the decreed water storage right from which the protected mitigation release is to be made, terms rejecting or decreasing the proposed flow rate of the protected mitigation releases or the qualifying stream reach. All such decrees must also specifically identify the timing and rate of the protected mitigation releases, the qualifying stream reach, and the flow rate that is appropriate to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach. For protected mitigation releases that are to be exchanged into storage in accordance with subsection (8)(c)(IV)(B) of this section, the decree must specify that the exchange to storage be administered with a priority date that is no earlier than the date of the approval of the fish and wildlife mitigation and enhancement plan pursuant to section 37-60-122.2.

(V) An owner shall erect, maintain, and repair suitable and proper measuring devices as required by section 37-84-113 and by the decree approving the protected mitigation releases and as ordered by the state or division engineer. Additionally, the owner shall maintain records of the quantity and rate of release of the protected mitigation releases and the quantity and rate of diversion of the protected mitigation releases that are rediverted for subsequent application to beneficial use.

(g) If operation of a protected mitigation release under this subsection (8) requires the making of physical modifications to an existing water diversion structure within the qualifying stream reach to allow the protected mitigation release to bypass the existing water diversion structure, the owner of the water storage right used to make the protected mitigation release shall bear all reasonable construction costs associated with the physical modifications and all reasonable operational and maintenance costs incurred by the owner of the existing water diversion structure that would not have been incurred in the absence of the physical modifications to the structure.

(h) A determination under section 37-60-122.2 that releases of water from new reservoir capacity will help to reasonably avoid, minimize, or mitigate the impacts of the new reservoir capacity on fish and wildlife resources within the qualifying stream reach is evidence of the appropriateness of a protected mitigation release within the qualifying stream reach.

(i) A mitigation release shall not be protected or administered as a protected mitigation release:

(I) When the amount of the existing flow in the qualifying stream reach is such that addition of the protected mitigation release would exceed the streamflow rate set forth in the decree to be appropriate to preserve or improve the natural environment to a reasonable degree within the qualifying stream reach;

(II) Unless the owner is in compliance with:

(A) The measuring requirements of section 37-84-113;

(B) The terms and conditions in the decree approving the protected mitigation release regarding the operation, maintenance, or repair of proper measuring devices; and

(C) An order by the state or division engineer regarding the operation, maintenance, or repair of proper measuring devices;

(III) When the owner is incapable of rediverting the protected mitigation release at or below the downstream termination point of the qualifying stream reach for application to a decreed beneficial use of the water storage right that is to provide the water for the protected mitigation release;

(IV) When the released water is within the natural stream at a location outside of the qualifying stream reach, including when the released water is between the downstream termination point of the qualifying stream reach and the point of rediversion; or

(V) When the owner is not otherwise in compliance with the terms of the decree approving the protected mitigation release.

(j) This subsection (8):

(I) Does not impair or in any way affect any water court decree, administrative authorization, or agreement that allows water to be stored, released, and administered for environmental, piscatorial, water quality, recreational, municipal, or other in-channel purposes, including the maintenance of dominion and control over the water releases from a specified reservoir;

(II) Is not intended to be the exclusive means of authorizing water to be stored, released, and administered for environmental, piscatorial, water quality, recreational, municipal, or other in-channel purposes, including the maintenance of dominion and control over the water released from a specific reservoir; and

(III) Does not authorize, restrict, or preclude future water rights, appropriations, administrative authorizations, or other agreements for the purposes listed in subsection (8)(j)(I) of this section.
C.R.S. § 37-50-134 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 50 / Section 37-50-134
37-50-134. Covenants and other provisions in bonds
Status: in_force

37-50-134. Covenants and other provisions in bonds. (1) A resolution providing for the issuance of bonds under this article, payable from pledged revenues and an indenture or other related instrument or proceedings, may at the discretion of the board contain covenants or other provisions, notwithstanding that such covenants and provisions may limit the exercise of powers conferred by this article, in order to secure the payment of such bonds, in agreement with the holders of such bonds, including, without limitation, covenants or other provisions as to any one or more of the following:

(a) The pledged revenues and, in the case of general obligations, the taxes to be fixed, charged, or levied and their collection, use, and disposition, including, without limitation, the foreclosure of liens for delinquencies; the discontinuance of services, facilities, or use of any properties or facilities; prohibition against free service; the collection of penalties and collection costs; and the use and disposition of any moneys of the district, derived or to be derived, from any source designated;

(b) The acquisition, improvement, or equipment of all or any part of properties pertaining to any project or any facilities;

(c) The creation and maintenance of reserves or sinking funds to secure the payment of the principal and interest on any bonds or of the operation and maintenance expenses of any facilities, or part thereof, and the source, custody, security, regulation, use, and disposition of any such reserves or funds, including, without limitation, the related powers and duties of any trustee;

(d) Limitations on the powers of the district to acquire or operate, or permit the acquisition or operation of, structures, facilities, or properties that may compete or tend to compete with any facilities;

(e) The vesting in a corporate or other trustee or trustees of such property, rights, powers, and duties in trust as the board may determine, which may include any or all of the rights, powers, and duties of the trustee appointed by the holders of bonds, and limiting or abrogating the rights of such holders to appoint a trustee, or limiting the rights, duties, and powers of such trustee;

(f) Events of default, rights, and liabilities arising from events of default and the rights, liabilities, powers, and duties arising upon the breach by the district of any covenants, conditions, or obligations;

(g) The terms and conditions upon which the holders of the bonds or of a specified portion, percentage, or amount of the bonds, or any trustee for the holders, shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver, which receiver may enter, take possession of, operate, and maintain any facilities or service; prescribe fees, rates, and other charges; and collect, receive, and apply all resulting revenues in the same manner as the district itself might do;

(h) A procedure by which the terms of any resolution authorizing bonds or any other contract with any holders of district bonds, including, without limitation, an indenture of trust or similar instrument, may be amended or abrogated, and as to the proportion, percentage, or amount of bonds the holders of which must consent thereto, and the manner in which such consent may be given;

(i) The terms and conditions upon which any or all of the bonds shall become or may be declared due before maturity and as to the terms and conditions upon which such declaration and its consequences may be waived; and

(j) All such acts and things as may be necessary, convenient, or desirable in order to secure the bonds or, in the discretion of the board, tend to make the bonds more marketable, notwithstanding that such covenant, act, or thing may not be enumerated in this article, it being the intention of this article to give to the board power to do in the name and on behalf of the district all things in the issuance of district bonds and for their security, except as expressly limited in this article.
C.R.S. § 37-20-109 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 20 / Section 37-20-109
37-20-109. Order establishing district
Status: in_force

37-20-109. Order establishing district. When the boundaries of any proposed drainage district have been determined, the board of county commissioners shall make an order allowing the prayer of the petition, defining and establishing the boundaries and designating the name of the proposed district.
C.R.S. § 37-21-123 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 21 / Section 37-21-123
37-21-123. Statement of result
Status: in_force

37-21-123. Statement of result. (1) As soon as the result of any election is declared, the secretary of the board of directors shall enter in the record of the board of directors and file with the county clerk and recorder of the county in which the office of said district is located a statement of the result.

(2) Said statement shall contain:

(a) A copy of the published notice of said election;

(b) The names of the judges of election;

(c) The number of votes cast in the district and in each precinct of the district;

(d) The office to which each person was elected;

(e) The number of votes cast in each precinct for each person;

(f) The number of votes cast in the district for each person;

(g) The names of the persons elected;

(h) The result of any question submitted to the voters at said election.
C.R.S. § 37-45-130 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 45 / Section 37-45-130
37-45-130. Exemptions
Status: in_force

37-45-130. Exemptions. All property of whatever kind and nature owned by the state and by towns, cities, school districts, drainage districts, irrigation districts, park districts, water districts, or any other governmental agency within said district shall be exempt from assessment and levy by the board as provided by this article for the purposes of this article.
C.R.S. § 37-43-174 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 43 / Part 1 / Section 37-43-174
37-43-174. Completion of service
Status: in_force

37-43-174. Completion of service. Service of such published or posted notice shall be deemed complete at the expiration of ten days after the last publication or posting and mailing thereof. At the expiration of the time required by such order to show cause, and not less than twenty days after the service of such notice, whether by personal service or by publication or posting, such district court shall be vested with complete jurisdiction over both the subject matter of such petition and of all parties in any manner concerned or affected by it, and thereafter its proceedings shall be governed by the Colorado rules of civil procedure except only as modified or controlled by sections 37-43-169 to 37-43-178.
C.R.S. § 37-48-124 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 48 / Section 37-48-124
37-48-124. Time and place of hearing on petition
Status: in_force

37-48-124. Time and place of hearing on petition. (1) Immediately after the filing of such petition, the court wherein the petition is filed, by order, shall fix a place and time, not less than sixty-three days nor more than ninety-one days after the petition is filed, for hearing thereon, and the clerk of said court shall cause notice by publication, which may be substantially the same as provided in section 37-8-101, to be made of the pendency of the petition and of the time and place of the hearing thereon. The clerk of the court shall also forthwith cause a copy of said notice to be sent by United States first-class mail or by electronic service using the e-filing system of the judicial department to the board of county commissioners of each of the counties having territory within the proposed subdistrict and to the board of directors of the district if the petition is filed by the landowners.

(2) The district court in and for the county in which the petition for the organization of a subdistrict has been filed shall thereafter, for all purposes of this article, except as otherwise provided in this article, maintain and have original and exclusive jurisdiction, coextensive with the boundaries of said subdistrict, of lands and other property proposed to be included in said subdistrict or affected by said subdistrict, without regard to the usual limits of its jurisdiction.

(3) No judge of such court wherein such petition is filed shall be disqualified to perform any duty imposed by this article by reason of ownership of property within any subdistrict or proposed subdistrict or by reason of ownership of any property that may be benefited, taxed, or assessed therein.
C.R.S. § 37-46-109 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 46 / Section 37-46-109
37-46-109. Authority of board to levy taxes
Status: repealed

37-46-109. Authority of board to levy taxes. (1) (a) In addition to other means of providing revenue for the district, the board of directors has the power to fix the amount of an assessment upon the property within the district, not to exceed two and one-half mills for every dollar of valuation for assessment therein as a level or general levy to be used for the purpose of paying the expenses of organization, for surveys and plans, to pay the salaries of officers and the per diem allowed to directors and their expenses, for the costs and expenses of construction or partial construction of any project designed or intended to accomplish the utilization of water, by storage or otherwise, for any beneficial uses or purposes, and for other incidental expenses which may be incurred in the administration of the affairs of the district.

(b) and (c) Repealed.

(d) Upon the receipt of any proceeds of a tax levy made under paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), if any items of expense have already been paid in whole or in part from any other sources by the district, they may be repaid from receipts of such levy. Such levy may be made, although the work proposed or any part thereof may have been found impractical or for other reasons abandoned. The collection of data and the payment of expenses therefor, including the compensation of engineers and attorneys and clerical assistants, to conserve the water of the district and to enable the district to adopt plans and projects for the orderly development of the district are hereby declared to be a matter of general benefit to the public welfare and such that taxes for said purposes may be properly imposed in the opinion of the general assembly.

(e) If this subsection (1) or any clause, phrase, or part thereof is held unconstitutional or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or force of any other part of this section or any other part of this law, and the general assembly hereby declares it would have enacted the remainder of this article without this subsection (1).

(2) The board of said district may, in lieu of the level or general tax authorized by subsection (1) of this section, levy special assessments upon all real estate within the district, except such real estate as is exempted in this article, to raise funds to pay expenses of organization, salaries, expenses, and per diem allowances of officers and directors and to prepare a general plan for the maintenance of constant streamflow and adequate water supplies in all the principal tributaries and the main stream of the Colorado river in said district and provide for future development of the district and insure water therefor. Such assessments shall be made in proportion to the benefits to each piece of real estate accruing by reason of the adoption of a comprehensive plan of development of the natural resources of the district as a whole. The board of directors, if it deems it advisable at any time before levying special assessments, shall appraise the benefits to the several parcels of real estate within the district which shall result from the organization of said district and the general plans and development aforesaid. The board may adopt rules for such purpose and provide inter alia for notice and hearing to all persons affected thereby. A permanent record, arranged by counties, of the benefits which will accrue to each tract of land shall be kept, and such benefits shall be apportioned over a series of years, the amount to be collected each year to be in the discretion of the board; but the amount of such assessment to be levied and assessed against the real property in said district in any one year shall not exceed a total of seventy-five hundred dollars, and it is hereby declared that the amount of special benefits accruing annually to the real estate in said district is in excess of such amount. All property owned by the state, counties, cities, towns, school districts, or other governmental agencies shall be exempt from taxation or special levies under this article.

(3) Prior to October 15 of each year in which an assessment is made, the board of directors shall appoint a time and place where it will meet within the district for the purpose of hearing objections to assessments at least thirty days prior to the dates so appointed. Notice of such hearing shall be given by posting a notice thereof at or near the door of the treasurer's office in each county in said district and by publishing said notice in a legal newspaper not less than three consecutive times within a period of thirty days, immediately prior to the hearing. The notice posted in each county shall be sufficient if it pertains to the property subject to assessment in said county only and need not contain the description of, or any reference to, property situated in other counties also affected by such assessment. The notice shall contain a description of the real estate so assessed in the county in which said notice is posted and published, the amount of the assessment fixed by the board, and the time and place fixed by the board for the hearing of objections to such assessments. It shall not be necessary for the notice to contain a separate description of the lots or tracts of real estate, but it shall be sufficient if the said notice contains such descriptions as will inform the owner whether or not his real estate is covered by such descriptions, and to inform the owner of the amount of special assessments thereon.

(4) If, in the opinion of any person whose real estate is assessed, his property has been assessed too high or has been erroneously or illegally assessed, at any time before the date of such hearing, he may file written objections to such assessments, stating the ground of such objections, which statement shall be verified by the affidavit of said person or some other person familiar with the facts. At such hearing the board shall hear such evidence and argument as may be offered concerning the correctness or legality of such assessment and may modify or amend the same. Any owner of property desiring to appeal from the finding of the board as to assessments, within thirty days from the finding of the board, shall file with the clerk of the district court of the county in which the property is situated, a written notice making demand for a trial by the court. At the same time, the appellant shall file a bond with good and sufficient security, to be approved by the clerk of said court, in a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, to the effect that, if the finding of the court is not more favorable to the appellant than the finding of the board, the appellant will pay the costs of the appeal. The appellant shall state definitely from what part of the order the appeal is taken. In case more than one appeal is taken, upon a showing that the same may be consolidated without injury to the interests of anyone, the court may consolidate and try the appeals together.

(5) The court shall not disturb the findings of the board unless the finding of the board in any case is manifestly disproportionate to the assessments imposed upon other property in the district created under this article. The trial shall be to the court, and the matter shall take precedence before the court and shall be taken up as promptly as may be after the appeal is filed. If no appeal is taken from the finding of the board within the time prescribed in this section, or after the finding of the district court in case an appeal is taken from the finding of the board, then said assessments shall be final and conclusive evidence that said assessments have been made in proportion to the benefits conferred upon each tract of real estate of said district by reason of the general plans of survey, comprehensive plan of development, and the completion of improvements to be constructed under the provisions of this article, and such assessments shall constitute a perpetual lien as provided in section 37-46-121 upon the real estate so assessed until paid.
C.R.S. § 37-48-154 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 48 / Section 37-48-154
37-48-154. Records of assessments, service charges, or user fees as evidence
Status: in_force

37-48-154. Records of assessments, service charges, or user fees as evidence. The record of special improvement assessments, special assessments, service charges, or user fees contained in the respective records of the district shall be prima facie evidence in all courts of all matters therein contained.
C.R.S. § 37-22-104 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 22 / Section 37-22-104
37-22-104. Payment only on warrants
Status: in_force

37-22-104. Payment only on warrants. The treasurer of the drainage district shall pay out of the funds of said district only upon warrants ordered by the board of directors of the drainage district, signed by its president and attested by its secretary, under the seal of the drainage district.
C.R.S. § 37-42-103 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 42 / Section 37-42-103
37-42-103. Preliminary report
Status: in_force

37-42-103. Preliminary report. Prior to the date of such hearing, the state engineer shall file with the board of county commissioners, before which the hearing will be held, his preliminary report on the proposed irrigation system, showing his estimate of costs, as well as the availability of an adequate water supply, and the general feasibility of the system. In the preparation of such report, the state engineer may require such aid, assistance, maps, and data as he deems necessary, from the proposers of organization. Such report shall be considered a public document and open to general public inspection and examination.
C.R.S. § 37-80-113 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 80 / Section 37-80-113
37-80-113. State engineer - qualifications - salary - conflict of interest
Status: in_force

37-80-113. State engineer - qualifications - salary - conflict of interest. (1) The state personnel director shall require that the state engineer is a person qualified to be a registered engineer in Colorado having the background of knowledge and experience in areas essential to the proper discharge of his duties and functions.

(2) The salary of the state engineer shall be fixed, within the authority granted by section 13 of article XII of the state constitution at a grade requiring compensation adequate to attract and hold in regular employment a person qualified to carry out the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the office, and shall be paid out of general funds of the state as the salaries of the executive officers of the state are paid.

(3) If the state engineer has any personal interest in any matter coming before his office for decision, he shall immediately notify the governor in writing, delineating that interest, and the governor has authority to designate some appropriate person to carry out the functions of the state engineer regarding such matters and to cause such person to be paid a reasonable amount for his services. Personal interest does not mean those matters which members of the public generally may have with respect to any given subject.
C.R.S. § 37-43-209 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 43 / Part 2 / Section 37-43-209
37-43-209. Submission of plans to state engineer - not required
Status: in_force

37-43-209. Submission of plans to state engineer - not required. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 37-41-104 (1), a contracting district shall not be required to submit to the state engineer:

(a) Plans for the construction, operation, or maintenance of salinity control laterals; or

(b) Information concerning such salinity control laterals.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 37-41-104 (1), a contracting district shall not be required to obtain a decision from the state engineer as to the feasibility of construction, operation, and maintenance of salinity control laterals.
C.R.S. § 37-23-109 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 23 / Section 37-23-109
37-23-109. Alternative method of assessment
Status: in_force

37-23-109. Alternative method of assessment. (1) As an alternative method for the assessment of the lands in the district and in lieu of the method of assessment provided by sections 37-23-101 to 37-23-108, the board of directors may adopt the following method for the assessment of the benefits derived from the system of drainage adopted:

(a) As soon as the plans for a drainage system have been determined and before the actual work of drainage is begun or bonds voted, the board of directors shall assess the amount of benefits which, by means of the contemplated drainage, will accrue to each tract of land comprising forty acres, more or less, according to the legal or recognized subdivisions. The assessed benefits shall represent the increased value which, in the judgment of the directors, will accrue to the lands in the district because of the contemplated drainage. The board of directors shall prepare a report of its findings which shall be arranged in tabular form, the columns of which shall be headed as follows: Column 1, "Owner of property assessed"; column 2, "Description of property assessed"; column 3, "Number of acres assessed"; column 4, "Amount of benefits assessed". The board of directors shall also estimate the cost of the works set out in the plans for the drainage system, which estimate shall include the probable expenses of district organization and administration. Said report shall be signed by the president of the district with the seal of the district thereto affixed, and attested by the secretary, and one copy thereof shall be filed by the secretary in the office of the county clerk and recorder of the county where the organization is effected and one copy thereof in the office of the district.

(b) Upon the filing of the report, the secretary of the district shall give notice thereof by causing publication to be made in some newspaper published in each county in which lands affected are located. Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:

"Notice of filing of directors' report of

assessments of benefits for ..............

drainage district.

Notice is hereby given to all persons interested in the following described land in .... county (or counties), in the state of Colorado (here describe the respective tracts of land) included within .... drainage district, that the board of directors of said district have assessed the benefits to be received by each tract of land in the district by the contemplated system of drainage adopted for said district, and have filed their report of such assessments in the office of the county clerk and recorder of .............. county, Colorado, and in the office of the district on the .............. day of .............., A.D., 20...., and you, and each of you, are hereby notified that you may examine said report and file exceptions with the secretary of the district to all or any part thereof, on or before the .............. day of .............., A.D., 20...... .

............................

Secretary."
C.R.S. § 37-47-123 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 47 / Section 37-47-123
37-47-123. Record of assessments as evidence
Status: in_force

37-47-123. Record of assessments as evidence. The record of assessments contained in the respective assessment records of the district shall be prima facie evidence in all courts of all matters therein contained.
C.R.S. § 37-43-143 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 43 / Part 1 / Section 37-43-143
37-43-143. Water may be refused - when
Status: in_force

37-43-143. Water may be refused - when. The board of directors of any irrigation district within the state of Colorado, by resolution, may refuse to deliver water to any land within such district upon which land any tax or assessment has been levied for the payment of principal or interest due or to become due on the bonds or obligations of such district and which are then delinquent or past due under the general revenue laws of this state. Such board may continue to refuse delivery of water to such lands until all such past due or delinquent assessments have been paid in full with all interest and penalties as provided by law.
C.R.S. § 37-47-145 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 47 / Section 37-47-145
37-47-145. Rights - powers of holders of bonds - trustees
Status: in_force

37-47-145. Rights - powers of holders of bonds - trustees. (1) Subject to any contractual limitations binding upon the holders of any issue or series of bonds of the district or subdistrict issuing bonds under this article, or the trustee therefor, including, without limitation, the restriction of the exercise of any remedy to a specified proportion, percentage, or number of such holders, and subject to any prior or superior rights of others, any holder of bonds, or the trustee therefor, shall have the right and power, for the equal benefit and protection of all holders of bonds similarly situated:

(a) By mandamus or other suit, action, or proceeding at law or in equity, to enforce his rights against the district, subdistrict, or board of directors, or any combination thereof, or any of the officers, agents, and employees of the district or subdistrict to require and compel such district, subdistrict, or board or any of such officers, agents, or employees to perform and carry out their respective duties, obligations, or other commitments under this article and their respective covenants and agreements with the holder of any bond;

(b) By action or suit in equity, to require the district or subdistrict to account as if it were the trustee of an express trust;

(c) By action or suit in equity, to have a receiver appointed, which receiver may enter and take possession of any facilities and any pledged revenues for the payment of the bonds, prescribe sufficient fees, rates, and other charges derived from the facilities, and collect, receive, and apply all pledged revenues or other moneys pledged for the payment of the bonds in the same manner as the district or subdistrict itself might do in accordance with the obligations of the district or subdistrict; and

(d) By action or suit in equity, to enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful or in violation of the rights of the holder of any bonds and to bring suit thereupon.
C.R.S. § 37-48-147 — CO Code / Title 37 / Article 48 / Section 37-48-147
37-48-147. Directors bound by financing plan
Status: in_force

37-48-147. Directors bound by financing plan. (1) The board of directors of the district shall be bound by the plan of financing set forth in the petition for the organization of the subdistrict and approved by the decree of the district court. The appointment of appraisers shall not be necessary if the official plan adopted does not utilize special improvement bonds as a means of financing the subdistrict official plan, but the district or the subdistrict board of managers, as the case may be, may nevertheless retain appraisers as needed to appraise the value of property to be acquired.

(2) If the plan of financing provides for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the subdistrict, such bonds shall be signed "Water Users' Association No. ..... in the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, by .........., President, Attest .........., Secretary", or "Special Improvement District No. ..... in the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, by .........., President, Attest .........., Secretary". They shall be countersigned by the treasurer. General obligation bonds shall recite that they are obligations of the subdistrict, are issued pursuant to the provisions of this article, and are to be payable at the time, in the manner, and with the rate of interest therein specified and that the same were issued under and pursuant to a court decree and a resolution of the board of directors authorizing the issue of said obligations and referring to the date of said resolution. Said bonds shall further recite that they are payable from funds to be derived by special assessments and tax levies against the property in said subdistrict and other revenues derived from the operation of the subdistrict's official plan, as provided by the plan of financing in the petition for organization of the subdistrict, and not otherwise, that the same are not to be deemed to be an obligation of the Rio Grande water conservation district but only an obligation of said subdistrict, and that the district itself is not to be obligated in any manner for the payment of said bonds. If there is a board of managers for the subdistrict, the resolution of the board of directors authorizing said obligations shall be approved by the board of managers before being adopted by the board of directors.