Colorado Water Law

Real Estate Continuing Education Course

The purpose of the course is to provide the real estate professional with a better understanding of how water law works in Colorado in order that he/she can spot potential concerns and, at the very least, direct the client toward the person(s) that can investigate and solve or avoid the problem. It is not intended to replace competent legal counsel, but neither is it intended as a "feeder" to push new clients to hire water lawyers. Many professionals (especially lawyers and real estate agents) have found themselves in trouble by thinking they have the knowledge or expertise to handle an issue, only to find that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. The most astute and successful agents/brokers are those with a broad range of knowledge of their profession and the various things that impact a transaction (price, location, competition, financing, zoning, water, etc.), who use that knowledge to recognize areas in which a specialist is necessary, and are not reluctant to suggest or bring in the specialist.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to discuss:

  • The origins of water laws applied to Colorado.
  • The sources of water in Colorado and their uses.
  • The rules and laws regarding water supply in Colorado and how water is conveyed.
  • The different types of water rights in Colorado.
  • The water ditches and rights to them in Colorado.

Topics Covered

Lesson 1: History

Lesson 2: Sources and Uses

Lesson 3: Basic Concepts

Lesson 4: Water Rights

Lesson 5: Ditches

 

Approved States: CO