CO HB1314

Requires the state engineer and water judges to treat all out-of-priority groundwater depletions from agricultural wells in water districts 1 through 6 and 64 of water division 1 accrued between March 15, 1974, and December 31, 2014, as fully replaced by rising groundwater levels since January 1, 2006.

Applies only to wells decreed for agricultural use and overrides any contrary provision in existing plans for augmentation or groundwater replacement requirements.

Amends Colorado Revised Statutes 37-92-305 to add this replacement presumption while maintaining existing exemptions for pre-1974 depletions.

Takes effect August 10, 2016, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case approval by voters in the November 2016 general election is required.

Applies to groundwater depletions replaced on or after the effective date of the act.