SB 14-023 Summary

• Authorizes voluntary transfer of water efficiency savings to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for instream flow use in water divisions west of the continental divide (divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7).

• Defines "water efficiency savings" as water savings from structural improvements to storage, diversion, conveyance, application, or use of agricultural irrigation or stock watering water rights, determined through water court proceedings.

• Requires water judge approval of efficiency savings transfers only if the Colorado Water Conservation Board accepts the transfer, affected water right owners receive notice, no material injury occurs to vested or conditional water rights, and Colorado's interstate compact obligations are maintained.

• Water efficiency savings changed to instream flow use cannot be abandoned during the instream flow period and must be administered in priority with other water rights.

• Applies to water efficiency savings changes occurring on or after the effective date of the act.