In a series of community meetings, the Colorado Water Institute and Colorado State University will dig into the controversial topic of well access along the South Platte River.
A 2006 Colorado Supreme Court decision reduced well access for thousands of owners, and completely shut down about 440 wells due to water rights issues.
Regan Waskom, director of the Institute, explained the meetings are part of a comprehensive study of issue ordered by the Colorado State Legislature (HB 12-1278).
“Our goals really are to have a conversation with the public—to change it from a debate to a dialogue if we can, to have some listening, maybe get to some shared understanding, as well as maybe get some creativity from the public about how to approach and solve some of these problems,” he said.
A final report on the topic is due to the state legislature by the end of the year.
The schedule of meetings includes:
Jan. 8, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Southwest Weld County Building, 4209 Weld County Rd 24, Longmont.
Jan. 14, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Northwest Junior College Hays Student Center Ballroom, 100 College Ave., Sterling.
Jan. 24, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Valley High School, 1001 Birch Street, Gilcrest.
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