How do you own Water Rights in a Ditch Company?
Ditch companies are private, not-for-profit companies made up of shareholders. Shareholders receive water from the ditch company and are required to pay an assessment to support ditch operations and maintenance. Both the assessments paid and amount of water received are in proportion to a shareholder’s ownership (shares) in the company. Shareholders can be individuals or institutions, such as a school district, or a government agency, such as a city or county.
A “share” refers to an interest in a ditch company. It represents a portion of water that flows through the ditch. The amount of water represented by a share varies greatly among ditch companies and from year to year, depending on how much water is available in storage and from the current year’s snowpack.
Rules of operation vary depending on the type of water rights owned, size of the company, needs, history, infrastructure, and other factors particular to each company.
A ditch rider is hired by the ditch company to maintain the ditch and open headgates as appropriate to divert water for water deliveries in the ditch system. The ditch rider also calculates water volumes and oversees ditch operations.
Beginners Guide to Water Rights.pdfA Beginners Guide to Water Rights from the State of Colorado
Water rights in Colorado are unique when compared to other parts of the United States. The use of water in this state is governed by what is known as the "Prior Appropriation System". This system of water allocation controls who uses how much water, the types of uses allowed, and when those waters can be used.
Synopsis of Colorado Water Law.pdfSynopsis of Colorado Water Law from the State of Colorado
The purpose of this handbook is to provide water commissioners and the public with basic information concerning water law in the State of Colorado.
Beginners Guide to Augmentation Plans for Wells.pdfBeginners Guide to Augmentation Plans for Wells
If you are considering using wells to provide water for a lawn and garden, domestic animals, a subdivision, or some other project, you should be aware that in some areas of Colorado you may be unable to get a well permit without an augmentation plan.
FINAL Non-Attorneys Guide to Colorado Water Courts.pdfNon-Attorney's Guide to Water Court
The purpose of this guide is to assist you through the most common water court processes. These processes include applying for a water right and opposing an application for a water right.