CO HB1097

Creates new statute C.R.S. 37-92-312 authorizing use of water decreed for municipal supply in one system to also be used in an interconnected system if historical consumptive use was previously quantified in a prior water right change decree.

Requires water right owner to provide written notice to division engineer and all substitute water supply plan notification list subscribers for affected water divisions, with 35-day comment period before use in interconnected system begins.

Mandates division engineer approval of accounting for water use in interconnected system after considering submitted comments; division engineer decision may be appealed to water judge within 35 days.

Allows only the place of use to change under this provision; all other terms and conditions of the previous water right decree continue to apply, and any claims to return flows must be approved by water judge.

Defines "interconnected" as systems sharing infrastructure or physical connection points allowing treated water delivery between systems without returning water to natural stream; takes effect August 5, 2020, subject to referendum petition.