CO HB1068

Authorizes the state engineer to approve temporary agricultural water transfer agreements in the lower Arkansas River Basin for up to 40 years, allowing irrigation water rights to be temporarily diverted to municipal use

Requires applicants to submit detailed engineering reports evaluating historical consumptive use, return flows, and potential for material injury to other water rights

Establishes a 120-day public comment period after notice in the water clerk's resume, with the state engineer determining approval based on no injury to vested or conditional water rights and compliance with interstate compacts

Allows agreements to be reapproved for one additional 40-year period using the same application process, with water right owners required to give notice by March 1 each year of operation

Appeals of state engineer decisions are de novo, expedited, limited to injury issues, and must be filed within 45 days to the applicable water judge