Colorado § 37-84-124 - Amount of water taken.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-84-124 — Amount of water taken., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 37-84-124. Amount of water taken.
It is the duty of every person who is entitled to take water for irrigation purposes from any ditch, canal, or reservoir to see that he receives no more water from such ditch, canal, or reservoir through his headgate, or by any ways or means whatsoever, than the amount to which he is entitled. At all times, such person shall take every precaution to prevent more water than the amount to which he is entitled from such ditch, canal, or reservoir from coming upon his land.
Source: L. 1887: p. 312, § 1. R.S. 08: § 3260. C.L. § 1739. CSA: C. 90, § 137. CRS 53: § 147-7-25. C.R.S. 1963: § 148-7-24.
ANNOTATION
Plain language of this section concerns the infringement of another's water rights by taking water in excess of one's own rights on one's own land. This section does not concern flooding or excess runoff onto someone else's land. Byers Peak Props. v. Byers Peak Land & Cattle, 2026 CO 7, 583 P.3d 97.
Purpose of provisions. This section and § 37-84-125 are directed at prevention of diversions which exceed the decreed rate of diversion and are not intended to prohibit out-of-priority diversions. Se. Colo. Water Conservancy Dist. v. Rich, 625 P.2d 977 (Colo. 1981).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 37-84-124
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-84-124 cover?
Section 37-84-124 ("Amount of water taken.") 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 § 37-84-124?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 37-84-124" (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 § 37-84-124 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.