Written in Water: A Brief History of Colorado Water Law and the Upper Arkansas Valley

2/3/2022

By: Joe Stone, Heart of the Rockies Radio

“Here is a land where life is written in water.” — Thomas Hornsby Ferril, Colorado Poet Laureate
The People’s Ditch of San Luis diverts water from Culebra Creek in Costilla County. Established in 1852, the People’s Ditch represents the oldest continuous water right in Colorado (photo by Gregory Hobbs).

Click to Read

3 Comments

Adam Buetts link

12/4/2023 05:54:58 am

Justice Hobbs leaves an indelible mark with his insightful exploration of Colorado's water laws, chronicling their evolution from early settlers to the present. While his detailed account showcases the Prior Appropriation System's historical significance, some might find the complexity of water rights and their allocation a daunting aspect. Nevertheless, his work remains an invaluable resource in deciphering the intricacies of Colorado's water management system."

Subhajit Paul link

11/13/2024 10:39:03 am

Thanks,for such a great post. I have tried and found it really helpful. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post.

James Arnold link

11/21/2024 08:59:16 am

Colorado's water laws have played a key role in the Upper Arkansas Valley's development, balancing agricultural, municipal, and environmental needs through complex regulations.

CONNECT

P.O. Box 1090
339 E. HWY 50
Salida, CO 81201

Phone: 719-539-5425
Fax: 719-539-7579

Hours:
9:00am- 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:30pm

JOIN THE E-NEWSLETTER

Submit Your Meter Reading

Update Contact Info

Ark Basin Streamflow

Ark Basin Snowpack

HELPFUL LINKS

UAWCD Technology Accessibility Statement
UAWCD is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans.
Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, level AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make technology accessible to users with sensory, cognitive and mobility disabilities, but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability.
Our efforts are just part of a meaningful change in making all State of Colorado and local government services inclusive and accessible. We welcome comments on how to improve our technology’s accessibility for users with disabilities and for requests for accommodations to any UAWCD services.
Requests for accommodations and feedback
We welcome your requests for accommodations and feedback about the accessibility of UAWCD’s online services. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers. UAWCD is committed to responding as quickly as possible.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mail: P.O. Box 1090, Salida, CO 81201
Phone: 719-539-5425 (Written requests are preferred. If you are unable to submit your request in writing, you are welcome to contact us by telephone at this number.)