Colorado § 37-82-103 - Appropriation of natural springs.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-82-103 — Appropriation of natural springs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 37-82-103. Appropriation of natural springs.
The waters of natural flowing springs may be appropriated for all beneficial uses, and the priorities of such appropriations may be determined as provided by law. If it is found that the water of any such springs is not tributary to any natural stream, the determinations shall fix the rights of appropriators from such springs among themselves.
Source: L. 17: p. 541, § 1. C.L. § 1638. CSA: C. 90, § 21. CRS 53: § 147-2-3. C.R.S. 1963: § 148-2-3. L. 69: p. 1219, § 3.
ANNOTATION
Law reviews. For article, "Who Has the Better Right to Nontributary Ground Waters In Colorado — Landowner or Appropriator?", see 31 Dicta 20 (1954). For article, "Water for Recreation: A Plea for Recognition", see 44 Den. L.J. 288 (1967).
Annotator's note. A relevant case decided prior to the earliest source of this section has been included in the annotations to this section.
This and the following section permit the use of water and the securing of rights-of-way, and they are in no sense prohibitive. Schneider v. Schneider, 36 Colo. 518, 86 P. 347 (1906).
The true test of the appropriation of water is the successful application thereof to the beneficial use designed, and the method of distributing or carrying the same, or making such application, is immaterial. Town of Genoa v. Westfall, 141 Colo. 533, 349 P.2d 370 (1960).
These sections have no application to a proceeding to condemn a right-of-way for a ditch to carry waste and surplus water from the end of a ditch on another's land. Schneider v. Schneider, 36 Colo. 518, 86 P. 347 (1906).
This section confers upon a landowner no right of appropriation for surface drainage waters arising from the irrigation of adjoining lands. Lomas v. Webster, 109 Colo. 107, 122 P.2d 248 (1942).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 37-82-103
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-82-103 cover?
Section 37-82-103 ("Appropriation of natural springs.") 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 § 37-82-103?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-82-103" (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 § 37-82-103 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.