BOARD00155

• Board Meeting Date: 9/21/1998
• Description: Summary Minutes and Record of Decisions - September 21-22, 1998
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Colorado Water Conservation Board
Department of Natural Resources
721 Centennial Building
'313 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phon., (303) 866,3441
FAX: (303) 866,4474

STATE OF COLORADO

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Resolution
Of the
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Adopted September 22, 1998

Roy Romer
Governor

James S. Lochhead
Executive Director, DNR

Danese. Lire, P.E.
Director, eweB

PeterH. Evans
Acting Direcror, eweB

WHEREAS Ballot Initiative 15 would amend Section 37-92-502, C.R.S" to require
installation of mechanical flow meters on all non-exempt wells in the unconfmed aquifer
in Water Division 3; and

WHEREAS the installation and reading of such meters would be required at the owner's
expense; and

WHEREAS the cost of such meters is estimated to be between $700 to $1,200 per well;
and

WHEREAS Ballot Initiative 15 would not permit the use of other methods of water
measurement which can be as accurate as well meters and less expensive to operate and
administer; and

WHEREAS the State Engineer already has sufficient authority to require such meters
when necessary; and

WHEREAS the high cost of the meters and the short-term insta1lation requirement
would require many water users to discontinue the use of many wells;

NOW THEREFORE, the Colorado Water Conservation Board fmds that:

1. The use of the initiative process to resolve local disputes is bad public
policy; and

2. The proposed initiative is unnecessary and the expense to water users
outweighs the benefits accrued.

For these reasons, the Colorado Water Conservation Board opposes Ballot Initiative 15.

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Peter H, Evans, Acting Director

L:\wctrans\boardmem\Sept98\I8d Resolutions