October 20, 2007--S. Platte water ruling (Rocky Mountain News)
More than 200 wells along the South Platte River - roughly half the number ordered shut down in May 2006 - may be allowed to start pumping again, but only if they can meet stiff new requirements for replenishing the river. "Given the complexity of the court's order and the uncertainty of flow conditions in the future, it's not immediately clear to me whether this will allow the wells to pump next year and if so, how much," said Jim Hall, top water regulator in the South Platte Basin. Senior water rights owners and several cities, who have long fought the well-owners, declared victory in the case, saying the court's complex 101-page order likely means farmers won't be able to restart their irrigation wells next spring.
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