A state law that would provide an incentive for urban areas to provide for future needs of rural communities in water transfers will be introduced next year. “We’ve all seen examples of bad buy-and-dries in the state,” said Rep. Sal Pace, D-Pueblo.

Water represents one of the most difficult - and vital - issues in Colorado law.

A committee looking at ways to streamline water courts is recommending ways to cut down the cost and time of water cases, while still protecting water rights.

A standing committee to evaluate state water courts has been created by Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey. State water courts are established in seven divisions, with a water judge presiding and a water referee assigned to handle cases.

Environmental groups have asked a judge to dismiss a water court application by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association for a power plant it plans to build at Holly.

The trial anticipated to be three weeks long turned out to be three days long, literally ending on an upbeat note.

Arguments for and against a rural domestic water system were presented to Pine River Rotary Club members on July 23. The district is needed because water wells in many part of the county depend on traditional flood irrigation for re-charge.

Residents of southeast La Plata County - who draw their drinking water from wells or truck it in - finally are getting the opportunity to vote on the formation of a potable-water system.

The seven-year lawsuit over water flows through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is closer to resolution with parties to the 2001 case reviewing a tentative agreement, officials said Friday, June 6.