DENVER – Today, Governor Bill Ritter signed an important water bill authored by State Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison). House Bill 1303 establishes a significant overhaul of Colorado’s well water permitting program. The legislation maintains a cooperative balance between water users and oil/gas producers by creating a process that allows for the simultaneous protections of water rights and the rights of mineral owners to develop their interests.
“Both land-owners and coal-bed methane gas producers deserve an update to our well-water guidelines," said Rep. Curry. “The bill strikes an important balance, streamlining Colorado's regulatory requirements for oil and gas operators while protecting our existing water users."
HB 1303 establishes guidelines regarding whether ground water from oil and gas drilling can be removed and if so if it will need to be replaced by another source. In doing so, it affects the number of well permits. Operators whose wells remove tributary ground water – ground water that feeds Colorado’s surface streams – would be required to apply to the appropriate water court for an augmentation plan. If water produced by drilling can be shown to originate from a source that is non-tributory – that does not feed Colorado’s surface waters – they would not be required to apply for a water well permit or any further administration by the state. The bill creates a plan for well water permitting and usage through 2015.





