7936

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7936
• Author: McDonald, J. W.
• Title: A Primer On Colorado's Water Policies.
• USFW Year: 1988.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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