SB 17-049

Senate Bill 17-049 in Colorado exempts certain types of drains from needing a permit and the requirement to replace groundwater that is removed. This applies to residential, commercial, or industrial development and utility lines if the drain doesn't go through a confining layer and the water isn’t used for anything other than removing it from the soil near where it’s collected. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these drains are now exempt under Colorado's groundwater regulations.

Official Summary

To withdraw groundwater within a designated basin, current law requires a permit issued by the ground water commission, and typically a portion of the groundwater must be replaced. The bill exempts a drain from the permit and replacement obligations if the drain is for residential, commercial, or industrial development or utility lines installed to serve such development; the drain does not penetrate a confining layer; the removed groundwater is not put to any use other than collecting and removing groundwater from soils; and the removed groundwater is discharged essentially where the drain is located. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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