Colorado § 37-75-102 - Water rights - protections.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-75-102 — Water rights - protections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 37-75-102. Water rights - protections.
(1) It is the policy of the general assembly that the current system of allocating water within Colorado shall not be superseded, abrogated, or otherwise impaired by this article. Nothing in this article shall be interpreted to repeal or in any manner amend the existing water rights adjudication system. The general assembly affirms the state constitution's recognition of water rights as a private usufructuary property right, and this article is not intended to restrict the ability of the holder of a water right to use or to dispose of that water right in any manner permitted under Colorado law.
(2) The general assembly affirms the protections for contractual and property rights recognized by the contract and takings protections under the state constitution and related statutes. This article shall not be implemented in any way that would diminish, impair, or cause injury to any property or contractual right created by intergovernmental agreements, contracts, stipulations among parties to water cases, terms and conditions in water decrees, or any other similar document related to the allocation or use of water. This article shall not be construed to supersede, abrogate, or cause injury to vested water rights or decreed conditional water rights. The general assembly affirms that this article does not impair, limit, or otherwise affect the rights of persons or entities to enter into agreements, contracts, or memoranda of understanding with other persons or entities relating to the appropriation, movement, or use of water under other provisions of law.
Source: L. 2005: Entire article added, p. 1472, § 1, effective June 7.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 37-75-102
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-75-102 cover?
Section 37-75-102 ("Water rights - protections.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 37-75-102?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-75-102" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 37-75-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.