Quick Facts....
Water in Colorado is administered under the doctrine of prior appropriation or “first in time, first in right doctrine”. The state constitution declares that “the right to divert the unappropriated waters of any natural stream to beneficial uses shall never be denied.” The concept of beneficial use has changed with changing public values, but includes a notion of wise use, without waste. Water rights in Colorado are adjudicated or recognized through the court system. Water is basic to our lives and all of us are affected by how it is used and managed. In Colorado, the complexity of our water laws and our water management structure is often bewildering. It seems that water managers in Colorado have their own special language. This fact sheet offers non-technical definitions of many of the commonly used water terms to help citizens better understand the principles that govern the use of water in Colorado.
Related Links:
Glossary of Water Terminology
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