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<br />, . <br /> <br />OD1345 <br /> <br />A Concludinq Observation <br /> <br />In recent years, calls for a "state water plan" have often <br />been heard. To the extent that this terminology contemplates <br />that state government would decide how. when. where, and to <br />what uses the state's water resources are to be put. it should <br />be obvious from the foregoing pages that ther.e is no place <br />within our existing water rights for such a "state water <br />plan." State government agencies simply do not have the <br />authority to direct the allocation of Color.ado's water <br />resour.ces as among competing uses in the manner ;,n which such <br />ter.minology seems to contemplate. <br /> <br />On the other. hand. it should be equally clear that many <br />state policies can and do influence the use and allocation of <br />OUT. water resour.ces. even within the confines of our existing. <br />market oriented water rights system. It is also becoming clear <br />that the imposition of federal authorities is having a major <br />impact. for better or worse depending upon one's point of view. <br />on how water is used and allocated in this state. In turn. the <br />pOlicies and positions which state government agencies are <br />formulating in response to federal initiatives are necessarily <br />affecting the use and allocation of water. We would do well to <br />keep these complex relationships in mind as we debate from time <br />to time whether Colorado's water pOlicies should be affirmed or <br />refined. <br /> <br />gl <br /> <br />-7- <br />