CO SB055

Amends Colorado Revised Statutes 37-84-108 to permit persons using irrigating ditches or ditch systems to use tail ditches to return water to streams in variable amounts necessary for efficient ditch operation and water delivery.

Prohibits the state engineer from requiring delivery of any minimum amount of tailwater except as required by court decree.

Preserves the state engineer's authority to administer water rights to prevent waste.

Takes effect on August 5, 2015, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case approval by voters in the November 2016 general election is required.