Water Law: New Measurement Rules Coming to a Division Near You

Historically, water users in different areas of Colorado might have been held to varying standards for measuring the water they diverted and used.  In some areas, water commissioners required flowmeters with the ability to record data; in other areas an estimate based on an informal observation was sufficient. 

That’s about to change.  Across Colorado, each Water Division is circulating draft rules to create consistency from district to district.  Although the rules will allow the Division Engineer and water commissioners some flexibility to grant variances, they establish a new baseline requirement for measuring all diversions, springs, storage structures, wells, and in some cases, even pit wells. 

How will this affect you?  If you’re located in a district where the water commissioner has already asked you to install a flowmeter, flume, or staff gauge, these rules may not impact you.  However, if you have small springs or ponds that do not have any measuring devices in place, the new rules may present you with a deadline for bringing them into compliance. 

If you have questions about whether the new rules might require you to take action, please contact us.  In some cases, we can request a variance to minimize the cost or complexity of the required measuring devices. 

If you would like to learn more, please give our office a call at 970-241-5500.

Written by Rob Pierce