82B26E4212AE299687258A280063F3E5 Hearing Summary

Mr. Rein answered questions about the process of abandoning of water rights.  

John Cyran, Western Resource Advocates, introduced himself and informed the committee he would be available for questions.

Kate Ryan, Colorado Water Trust, introduced herself and told the committee about her organization's role in promoting water conservation across the state.  She discussed consumptive use and obstacles associated with shifting water to different beneficial uses.  

Mr. Cyran told the committee about the existing conservation efforts that exist in the different water divisions across the state. He discussed possible new conservation efforts that could be done in the state to aide water right holders.

Ashley House, Colorado Farm Bureau, spoke about the recent Arizona legislation that has been brought on the topic. She told the committee that this idea could benefit or not benefit individual water rights holders and suggested that any program to be voluntary, temporary, and compensated.

Jim Yahn, North Sterling Irrigation District, introduced himself and discussed the variety of aspects that go into water right abandonment and conservation efforts. He spoke about historical consumptive use and non-consumptive use.

The panelists answered questions about return flows and impacts on downstream users or junior water right holders, how conservation impacts consumptive use, and the need for flexibility in a conservation type program that could be created.