The water of every natural stream, as referred to in sections 5 and 6 of article XVI of the state constitution, includes all the water occurring within the state of Colorado which is in or tributary to a natural surface stream but does not include nontributary groundwater as that term is defined in section 37-90-103. […]
All ditches constructed for the purpose of utilizing the waste, seepage, or spring waters of the state shall be governed by the same laws relating to priority of right as those ditches constructed for the purpose of utilizing the water of running streams; but the person upon whose land the seepage or spring waters first […]
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 […]
Nothing in sections 37-82-103 to 37-82-105 shall be construed to amend or repeal section 37-82-102; or impair, diminish, or destroy any valid appropriation of water for any beneficial use which has been made or decreed in accordance with law; or modify, amend, or affect any decree of court or the statutes limiting the time wherein […]
Any person, association, or corporation who, without lawful right so to do, causes any diminution of or obstruction or interference with the flow of waters from any such natural springs to the injury of any appropriator of any such waters shall be liable in damages to the injured party to the amount of such injury. […]
Whenever an appropriator has lawfully introduced foreign water into a stream system from an unconnected stream system, such appropriator may make a succession of uses of such water by exchange or otherwise to the extent that its volume can be distinguished from the volume of the streams into which it is introduced. Nothing in this […]
