Water Resources
Water Rights
Acquisition
To ensure that there will be an adequate supply of raw, untreated water available for future growth, the Utilities Division purchases water rights at market value, as they become available, from private individuals who own shares in local ditch companies. When the water represented by these shares is not immediately required by the Utility to serve the residents of Boulder for household use, the water is leased to the farming commuinty for irrigation of farm land or is used to maintain a minimum stream flow in Boulder Creek
For further information, contact the Water Resources Specialist at 303-441-3266.
Ditch Operations
The Utilities Division maintains a water portfolio which includes shares in numerous local irrigation ditch companies. As a shareholder, the city becomes a part owner in the ditch company. City employees sit on ditch company boards and are involved in the day-to-day operation of the company and its ditch system. Close contact is maintained with the farming community throught the ditch companies. The city can assist in ensuring adequate irrigation water supplies to the farming interests through its water leasing program.
For further information, contact the Water Resources Specialist at 303-441-3266.
Litigation
When a water right is acquired, the purchaser often wishes to transfer the water represented by the right to some other point or type of use through legal process. Using city and contract legal services, the Utilities Division monitors all local water rights legal cases to ensure that the proposed changes have no detrimental impact on the city's water operations or local ditch company interests. Legal issues arising from city transfers are also litigated, with emphasis given to ensure that ditch company operations are not impacted by the transfers.
For further information, contact the Director of Public Works for Utilities at 303-441-3200.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 September 2009 13:34