Readers statewide learned more about issues facing rural areas in eastern Colorado through an opinion piece published this month by the Colorado Sun.
Signed by the leaders of four conservancy districts, including Brad Wind of Northern Water, the piece talks about increasing efforts by communities such as Aurora to buy water rights in the South Platte and Arkansas river basins to move that water to their use. For residents near those original water rights, the effect of their removal to distant cities creates regional economic and social impacts beyond the current costs paid by the cities.
“It is time for Colorado to come together and ask a fundamental question: At what point is enough, enough?” the column asks.
While the water transfers are legal under current water law, Northern Water will continue to highlight those transfers and explore possible solutions to help ensure the rural communities of Colorado remain vital centers of economic activity.
