Water & Wells In Colorado

New WATER RULES FOR REAL ESTATE effective 1/1/2008

Colorado House Bill HB07-1156 was signed into law by the Govenor to take effect January 1, 2008.

In short it says anyone selling a piece of real estate MUST disclose the name address and phone number of the provider of the potable water to the property, whether via well, ditch, surface or water district. Additionally it is recommended that the Buyer contact the water supplier to determine long-term sufficiency of the water provider"s water supply.

All water rights and well permits are handled by the Colorado Department of Water Rsources part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies. This is also known as the "State Engineers Office. While the State Engineer has the responsibility for the spacing and density of water wells the County Engineers are often given authority to act on the Engineer's behalf for the purposes of "permiting".

Typically, most folks buying a home need to check the well to determine the "deliverability" aka flowrate, and the general condition of the well and it's equipment. While most of this is downhole the major component, the pump motor and it's controls are on the surface and can be easily inspected, however, the pump is sub surface and can only be judged based on age, type and production. The Colorado Water Well Contractors Association FAQ http://www.cwwca.org/page.php?page=FAQhas some great information

State Agencies: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/op/wqcc/GeneralInfo/StateWaterAgencies.html

Colorado Department of Water Resources also known as the State Engineer's office http://water.state.co.us/

A guide to Colorado Water Permits, Water Rights and Water Administration

Three types of permits: