(Durango) - Starting June 1, 2025, new rules governing the measurement of surface and groundwater diversions and storage will be in effect for Division 7. The division includes the San Juan and Dolores River basins. The rules do not apply to water users who obtain their water directly from a municipal provider, rural water supplier, or a ditch company, as those entities are required to have measurement where they divert from the stream or ground.
“Measurement Rules in Division 7 are a significant milestone for the Division of Water Resources,” said Robert Genualdi, Division 7 Engineer. “The adoption of the rules will provide the Division of Water Resources greater leverage in assuring that the diversion and use of water is administrable and properly measured and recorded.”
For background, Colorado statutes include a requirement that owners of ditches and reservoirs install headgates where water is taken from the natural stream. These statutes also give the state and division engineer the authority to require owners and users of water rights to install measuring devices.
“Accurate measurement of diversions is critical to protect Colorado’s entitlement to water, including under the Colorado River Compact, and to ensure we are maximizing the beneficial use of the public’s water resource for consumptive and environmental purposes,” said Jason Ullmann, Deputy State Engineer.
The statutes, however, do not include any specifics regarding what is considered an acceptable headgate or measuring device. Historically, it has been administered by the Division of Water Resources (DWR) through issuing orders to owners for the installation of headgates or measuring devices.
The rules describe two types of measurement methods: measuring devices, which are physical devices (flumes, weirs, etc) that are placed in a diversion for measurement, and alternative measurement methods, which are typically indirect methods of measuring flow rates without a physical device.
Time frames for installation of headgates and measuring devices vary from one to four years based on the diversion amount and location. Water users are encouraged to view the Rules to determine the applicable time frame.
Water users unsure of their decreed water right or permitted well permit flow rates and volumes can use DWR’s online tools available through CDSS to find this information. Anyone who has questions regarding how these rules apply to their diversion or how to install a measuring device on their system can contact the Water Commissioner in your Water District (river basin) or the Division 7 Office at 970-247-1845. The Rules are available on the DWR Division 7 website.