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., Strategies to Protect Colorado's"Rivers Colorado's water law system has left too many rivers depleted, It offers too little protection to valuable aquatic resources. And, the existing system is not equipped to protect streams in the face of the state's projected increased needs. However, there are' strategies available - both within the current system. and in use elsewhere - that could redirect Colorado's future towards healthier rivers, Below are a sample of options, Use Existing Tools to Restore Streams Colorado must find ways to restore streams that have been damaged by over~use, The existing system offers a few tools; unfortunately, most have not been used with an eye towards stream restoration or protection. . Every water user has a duty to use water in a wise and efficient manner. Today, some water users divert more than their decreed amount, but more importantly, as enforced, the ''use it or lose it" imperative conflicts with Colorado's constitutional ban against wasting water, as well as with efforts to restore healthy streamfiows. Colorado must enforce against the wasteful use of water. . Federal agencies have some authority to protect Colorado streams. Unfortunately, most Colorado water users object to the agencies' exercising their authority, even when the agencies are trying to prevent streams crossing national parks, monuments and forests from being dried up or seriously impaired. Colorado should make it easier for federal agencies to help protect the state's rivers. . The Colorado Water Conservation Board bas the authority both to buy and seek donations of diversion- ary water rights for conversion to instream flow protec- tion. In many places, the only way to restore dry streams is by purchasing senior .water rights. .colorado needs to dedicate more resources to tbis effort, . ~~__:.~':~._-_~-.~ _~~'t~~~~3~~i~~~~''''-' " ";.'-:-:' ~ '.- . ':"':<~;"'-:~:: " Many 'vvater Llsers on the East River outside of Crested Butte have historically taken more than their decreed water rights. III