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<br />OOJ752 <br /> <br />other vested water rights were established, This "no-injwy" rule is defined and enforced by the water courts, <br />The State Engineer is then responsible for implementing the actions specified by the courts after a change of <br />water right is decreed. The quantity of water that can be transferred is generally based on the amoWlt of <br />water previously consumed by the water user, This approach protects other water users on a system by <br />maintaining both surface and groWld water availability because water that was consumed was not available <br />for use by other water users prior to the proposed transfer or change, <br />The no-injury rule is applicable whether a proposed transfer is temporary or pennanenl Temporary <br />transfers can take the fonn of exchanges of water between water right holders that are mutually beneficial, or <br />temporary use contracts that effectively lease water to other users during critical time periods, For example, <br />temporary transfers can be helpful for cities that have acquired surplus supplies of water for future population <br />growth, but would like to lease the water to other users for income purposes, until such time as the water is <br />needed by the cities, Temporary changes must be approved by the State Engineer (C,R.S. Section 37-80- <br />120), <br />There is much discussion regarding the issues associated with agricultural water conservation and the <br />ailmin;!:tration of the existing water rights system. The Colorado water rights system provides certainty and <br />protection 10 water users while allOv.ing for flexibility in changes of use and the transfer of rights, Although <br />the judicial process is viewed by some as an elI."]Jensive and time-wnsuming means to resolve water rights <br />issues, the process does allow for other water right holders to act on behalf of and protect their rights, and can <br />be responsive to changing economic and social needs, The adjudication and administration of water rights <br />has evolved over time and will likely continue to do so in the future, The adoption of agricultural water <br />conservation practices by some water users can have serious impacts on other water users and existing stream <br />conditions, This document will attempt to identifY some of the key issues that must be addressed as we <br />pursue improvement in on-farm irrigation efficiencies, <br /> <br />9 <br />