BOARD01934

• Board Meeting Date: 11/25/2002
• Description: CWCB Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

COLORADO

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ACTION 22
"The Voice of Southern Colorado"
P.O, Box 4097, Pueblo, CO 81003, [phone]

CLUB 20
"The Voice of the Western Slope"
P,O, Box 550, Grand Junction, CO 81503, [phone]

PROGRESSIVE 15
"Representing Northeastern Colorado"
p,O, Box 148, Seibert, CO, 80834 [phone]

"Representing 58 of Colorado's 64 Counties"

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Water I'rincinles

Drought is a naturally occurring part of Colorado's climatic cycle. The past four years of drought, culminating
in the record-setting parched conditions of 2002, have touched every region of the State of Colorado,

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Water, or more notably the lack of water, has reaohed crisis proportions. However, every crisis offers
opportunity: opportunity for cooperation, opportunity for understanding, and opportunity to unify diverse
positions. Our current drought provides opportunity fot all three,

Colorado law recognizes the right to move water fronj. where it flows to where it is needed and to change the
historical use of water from one beneficial use to another. In the 130 years since adoption of our constitution,
Colorado has grown significantly, both in population and in expanded uses for water, The volume of
undeveloped water in Colorado has shrunk tremendoLlsly, As our quest for solutions considers transferring
water from one part of Colorado for new or different uses in other parts of the state, we must address the
impacts such measures have on the people and econorriies where these waters originate.

The following principles are offered by "Colorado 58't - a coalition representing 58 of Colorado's 64 counties
_ to frame the debate about preparing for Colorado's '\!Vater future. These principles are intended to inform and
assist decision makers and water managers in crafting fair and mutually beneficial water projects, as well as
balanced water-related policy and legislation to address Colorado's water dilemma, The following principles
begin our earnest efforts to find water supply answers that benefit all Coloradans, for this and future
generations.

1, All Colorado water users must share in solving Colorado's water resource problems,

2, The State of Colorado should provide assista~ce, when requested, for local water supply planning and
assist in the implementation of consensus-based water resource solutions that respect local authorities,
private property and water rights, .

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