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use allowed, and when those waters can be used. A simplified way to explain this system is often referred to as "first in time, first in right." An appropriation is made when an individual or entity physically takes water is from a stream (or underground aquifer) and places that water to beneficial use. The first individual or entity to appropriate water and apply that water to use has the first right to use that water within a particular stream system. This individual or entity (after receiving a court decree verifying their priority status) then becomes the senior water right holder on the stream and that water right must be satisfied before any other junior water rights are fulfilled. If a holder of a vested senior water right is not exercising that water right such water is delivered to the next junior appropriator. Pursuant to section 37-84-107, C.R.S. (1987) the owners of ditches must prevent waste. They are required to maintain their ditch in general good repair to prevent water from being wasted. Also section 37-84-108, C.R.S. (1973) prevents the running of water in any ditch in excess of that absolutely necessary for the purposes needed. The earliest appropriation in the Arkansas River Basin is March 31, 1859. By the middle 1880's, the Arkansas River and its tributaries were fully appropriated for normal or average years. In most areas water rights decreed later than 1887 will not provide a dependable supply. However, water is generally available for these water rights during snowmelt runoff and after summer rainstorms. In 1994 The Colorado State Engineer promulgated, and the Division 2 Water Court approved The Rules and Regulations Governing the Measurement of Tributary Ground Water Diversions Located in the Arkansas River Basin. The rules require that all diversions of groundwater for irrigation, municipal, or commercial use be measured. Groundwater diversions may be measured, by installing a calibrated meter, by applying the power consumption coefficient method, or a combination of the two. In 1995 The Colorado State Engineer promulgated, and the Division 2 Water Court approved The Rules and Regulations Governing the Diversion and Use of Tributary Ground Water in the Arkansas River Basin. The rules require tributary groundwater users to provide sufficient replacement water to replace depletions caused by the diversion of groundwater. Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Operating Principles- Operating Principles, as amended December 9, 1960, were adopted by the State of Colorado. The signatory parties are the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado River District, and Southwestern Water Conservation District. The Secretary of Interior is to operate the Project in accordance with the provisions of the Principles quoted in part below: