Article XVI - Colorado Constitution Irrigation Provisions

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078 -40 -91487 MR aTICLE XVI — COLORADO CONSTITUTION IRRIGATION PROVISIONS Waters of unnavigable streams dedicated to the use of the people of the state, subject to appropriation ) "See. 59 Water public property: The water of every natural stream not heretofore appropriated, within the state of Colorado, is hereby declared to be the property of the public and the same is dedicated to the use of the people of the state, subject to appropriation as hereinafter provided." "Sec. 6. Diverting unappropriated water -- Priority: The right to divert the unappropriated waters of any natural stream to beneficial uses shall never be denied. Priority of appropriation shall give the better right as between those using the water for the same purpose; but when the waters of any natural stream are not sufficient for the service of all those desiring the use of the same, those using the water for domestic purposes shall have the preference over those claiming for any other purpose., and those using the water for agricultural purposes shall have preference over those using the same for manufaoturing purposes." "See. 70' Right of way for ditehesi flumes: All persons and corporations shall have the right of way across public, private and corporate lands for the construction of ditches, canals and flumes for the purpose of conveying water for domestio purposes, for the irrigation of agricultural lands, and for minim and manufacturing purposesi and for drainage upon payment of just compensation.' "Sego Be County commissioners to fix rates for water: The general assembly shall provide by law that the board of county commissioners in their respective counties shall have power, when application is made to them by either party interested, to establish reasonable maximum rates to be charged for the use of water, whether furnished by individuals or oorporations."