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A New Approach to Water Appropriation |
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Monday, 31 May 2010 |
 With Colorado's newest wilderness area comes a new, unique approach to water appropriation. In the Dominguez Canyon WIlderness, two creeks play a pivotal role in the diversity of the area. They yearly flooding and low periods affect fish like the rainbow trout, and plant species. The unique flow regime and pristine quality of the watershed inspired the Colorado Water Conservation board to approve an unconventional water plan that could be the first variable water right granted in the state.
The plan protects the seasonal flows while still considering the needs of upstream users. The upstream users would have a fixed amount of water, rather than a fixed flow rate, and any water that is not used is sent down Dominguez Canyon.
Some landowners are wary of this plan because they feel it will limit their ability to expand their businesses. However, the proposal does allow some future expansion for the upstream users.
The Dominguez plan will not always be the answer for all watersheds with unique flow patterns, but this does signal a shift in water planning. In the future, appropriation intent, environmental heath and collaboration will all play a major role in water planning.
For more information please visit the New York TImes article here.
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