State Engineer Confirm Existing Use Instream Flow
HB20-1159
Last Action: Signed by Governor 04/01/2020
Concerning the authority of the state engineer to confirm the extent of uses of water in existence on the date of an instream flow appropriation.
SESSION: 2020 Regular Session
SUBJECT: Water
BILL SUMMARY
Current law specifies that the Colorado water conservation board's appropriation of water for instream flow purposes is subject to existing uses and exchanges of water. The act directs the state engineer, in administering current law, to confirm a claim of an existing use or exchange if the use or exchange has not previously been confirmed by court order or decree. The person making the claim may also seek confirmation by the water judge.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)