HB 17-1233

House Bill 17-1233, now signed into law, ensures that when water right owners want to change their rights, any reduction in water usage due to participation in government-sponsored conservation programs is not counted against them. This rule was previously only applied in certain regions but is now statewide and includes pilot programs. The bill also restricts which state agencies can approve these conservation programs to those explicitly authorized by law. This affects water right owners across Colorado who are involved in water conservation efforts. Since the bill has been signed, it is now enforceable law throughout the state.

Official Summary

When a water right owner wishes to change a water right, the amount of water that can be changed is limited to the historical consumptive use of the water right. Current law provides that the reduced water usage that results from participation in a government-sponsored water conservation program will not be considered in analyzing the historical consumptive use of the water right, but only in water divisions 4, 5, or 6. The bill applies this rule statewide, includes water conservation pilot programs, and limits state agencies that can approve a water conservation program to only those that have explicit statutory jurisdiction over water conservation or water rights. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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