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<br />1);~;..~:b,",-k.cl ....+- c...\o---"-A... ~;:,--"I, <br />t>~"~\c::.-q;:::,.o"-..h""'J t~~~; 2o!t-oi' <br /> <br />"COLORADO 64" Water Princi~ <br /> <br />Drought is a naturally reccurring part of Colorado's climatic cycle. The past four years of <br />drought, culminating in the record-setting parched conditions of 2002, have touched every region <br />of the State of Colorado. <br /> <br />Water shortages throughout Colorado have reached crisis proportions, However, every crisis <br />offers opportunity: opportunity for cooperation, opportunity for understanding, and opportunity <br />to unify diverse positions. Our current drought provides opportunity for all three. <br /> <br />Colorado law recognizes the right to move water from where it flows to where it is needed and to <br />change the historical use of water from one beneficial use to another. In the 130 years since <br />adoption of our constitution, Colorado has grown significantly, both in population and in <br />expanded uses for water. The volume of undeveloped water in Colorado has shrunk <br />tremendously. As our quest for solutions considers transferring water from one part of <br />Colorado for new or different uses in other parts of the state, we must address the impacts such <br />measures have on the people and economies where these waters originate. <br /> <br />We recognize that in the free exercise of private property rights, some water will continue to be <br />transferred from willing buyers to willing sellers, and will continue to move away from <br />traditional uses to new uses. The goal of all parties should be to ultimately advance the <br />economic, environmental, cultural and recreational health of all Colorado communities, <br /> <br />The following principles are offered by "Colorado 64" - a coalition representing communities, <br />water providers, and business interests across Colorado - to frame the debate about preparing for <br />Colorado's water future. These principles are intended to inform and assist decision makers and <br />water managers in crafting fair and mutually beneficial water projects, as well as balanced water- <br />related policy and legislation to address Colorado's water challenges. The following principles <br />begin our earnest efforts to find water supply answers that benefit all Coloradans, for this and <br />future generations. In this spirit, this document is intended to be a working document. All <br />parties commit to remain at the table where the principals may be amended or expanded as times <br />and conditions change, <br /> <br />I. All Colorado water users must share in solving Colorado's water resource problems, <br /> <br />2, The State of Colorado should provide assistance, when requested, for local water supply <br />planning and assist in the implementation of consensus-based water resource solutions <br />that respect local authorities, private property and water rights. <br /> <br />3. During the process of planning to meet future needs, water suppliers and utilities should <br />give preference to development of economically viable local water sources and demand <br />management as they consider other options, including development of new water <br />transfers. <br /> <br />4, Additional water storage should be pursued through the improvement and rehabilitation <br />of existing structures and the development of new structures. These activities should be <br />accomplished with local consensus, <br />