"First in time, first in right."
"Use it or lose it."
These two statements sum up the basics of Colorado's water law system for appropriating water rights. Although not nearly as simple as these two statements imply, Colorado's prior apprpriation system has served millions water users in Colorado since the mid-1800s.
Resources for learning more about Colorado Water Rights:
Land Use and Water Rights Lesson - Roaring Fork Conservancy
Citizen's Guide to Water Rights - Colorado Foundation for Water Education
Map of Major Water Rights on Colorado River in Colorado - Roaring Fork Conservancy
Transmountain Water Diversions - Roaring Fork Conservancy
Colorado Division of Water Resources - State Engineers Office
Water Right Database
Recommended Reading
Water Administration in Colorado
Water Supply on Western Slope of Colorado
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