GUIDING
PRINCIPLES

As an important partner in these discussions, we have developed a set of guiding principles that we encourage the Task Force to keep in mind. Our primary focus is to protect the agricultural industry to ensure a viable future for our farm and ranch families that are the backbone of our communities throughout the state.

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Guiding Principles:

• Prior appropriation must continue to govern water administration.

• Participation in conservation programs must remain voluntary.

• Conserved water dedicated to compact compliance should be recognized and protected as a beneficial use.

• Colorado should receive full credit for compact-compliance water that leaves the state.

• No-injury principles must be maintained for all participating water rights.

• Use of agricultural water for compact purposes should not injure other agricultural producers.

• Permanent transfers of water out of agriculture should remain subject to water court review and approval.

• Environmental benefits associated with conserved water should be considered incidental benefits, not mandatory program requirements.

• State ownership of private water rights for compact compliance purposes should be avoided.