Is Use It Or Lose It An Absolute? Historical consumptive use and understanding your water rights

There are often misunderstandings about the “use it or lose it” concept in water law. This presentation helps landowners and water rights holders better understand if they should divert their entire decree and whether it could be up for abandonment based on historical consumptive use. The presentation explored the difference between conservation and efficiency as well as the practices that may be the best option as we face water shortages in the Colorado River Basin.
This recorded webinar includes features Greg Peterson, executive director of the Colorado Ag Water Alliance, on historical consumptive use and how to quantify and valuate your water rights. Greg was joined by Bill Fales of Cold Mountain Ranch - a conserved, cow/calf operation near Carbondale, Colorado along the Crystal River. Bill and his wife, Marj Perry, entered into an agreement with the Colorado Water Trust to reduce diversions from the Helms Ditch when the Crystal River needs water while still harvesting their hay crops.