Laserfiche WebLink
<br />CONSTITUTION OF COLORADO <br /> <br />ARTICLE XVI <br />Mining and Irrigation <br /> <br />Section 5. Water of streams public property. -The water of every natural <br />stream, not heretofore appropriated, within the state of Colorado, is hereby <br />declared to be the property of the public, and the same is dedicated to the use of <br />the people of the state, subject to appropriation as hereinafter provided. <br />Section 6. Diverting unappropriated water-priority preferred uses. The <br />right to divert the unappropriated waters of any natural stream to beneficial uses <br />shaH never be denied. PdOf'ty of appropriation shall give the better fight as <br />between those using the water for the same purpose; but when the waters of any <br />natural stream are not sufficient for the service of all those desiring the use of <br />the same, those using the water for domestic purposes shall have the preference <br />over those claiming for any other purpose, and those using the water for <br />agricultural purposes shall have preference over those using the same for <br />manufacturing purposes. <br />Section 7. Right-of-way for ditches, flumes.-AII persons and corporations <br />shall have the right-of-way across public, private and corporate lands for the <br />construction of ditches, canals and flumes for the purpose of conveying water <br />for domestic purposes. for the irrigation of agricultural lands, and for mining and <br />manufacturing purposes. and for drainage, upon payment of just compensation. <br />Section 8. County commissionen to fix rates for water when.- The general <br />assembly shall provide by law that the board of county commissioners in their <br />respective counties, shall have power, when application is made to them by <br />either party interested, to establish reasonable maximum rates to be charged for <br />the use of water, whether furnished by individuals or corporations. <br /> <br />1-1 <br /> <br />.. <br />