Well owners to learn more about impact of Colorado water decision
Well owners to learn more about impact of Colorado water decision
Water Court Judge Roger Klein issued a decision Oct. 19 accepting a water augmentation plan submitted by the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District. More than a year ago, 215 of 400 wells located in the South Platte Basin from Commerce City to Fort Morgan were prohibited from pumping water to irrigate crops. The Central Colorado Water Conservancy District provided a plan which showed that these producers would return water to the river.
Seventeen months ago, wells were ordered to shut down because 30 objectors stated that water augmentation plans were not in effect to show that water used by agricultural producers was being returned to the South Platte River. According to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, continued drought conditions in the state reduced water flows in the river, and those with senior water rights contended that junior water right holders were injuring them as a result through the taking of water.
Last growing season, some agricultural producers found out about the ordered well shutdowns after crops had been planted. Some producers which had already secured augmentation water were able to continue with production, while others were forced to scale back operations for specific crops or watch fields dry up.
A 30-day trial occurred in Division 1 Water Court in Greeley, CO. Judge Klein issued a 101-page document containing his decision after four months of deliberation.
The decision has been heralded as a landmark, and officials continue to pour over Judge Klein's document. It is unknown how much water agricultural producers will be able to pump during the 2008 production season.
Many of the objectors represent urban municipalities. Objectors have the right to appeal Judge Klein's decision or portions of that decision to the Colorado Supreme Court.
Seventeen months ago, wells were ordered to shut down because 30 objectors stated that water augmentation plans were not in effect to show that water used by agricultural producers was being returned to the South Platte River. According to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, continued drought conditions in the state reduced water flows in the river, and those with senior water rights contended that junior water right holders were injuring them as a result through the taking of water.
Last growing season, some agricultural producers found out about the ordered well shutdowns after crops had been planted. Some producers which had already secured augmentation water were able to continue with production, while others were forced to scale back operations for specific crops or watch fields dry up.
A 30-day trial occurred in Division 1 Water Court in Greeley, CO. Judge Klein issued a 101-page document containing his decision after four months of deliberation.
The decision has been heralded as a landmark, and officials continue to pour over Judge Klein's document. It is unknown how much water agricultural producers will be able to pump during the 2008 production season.
Many of the objectors represent urban municipalities. Objectors have the right to appeal Judge Klein's decision or portions of that decision to the Colorado Supreme Court.
