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Water wars leave northern Colorado farmers dry

Posted by: Maven on April 3, 2009 at 6:31 am

From the Associated Press:

Many farmers in this northern Colorado plains region are struggling to keep their crops irrigated and stay afloat as they find themselves on the wrong side of state water rules dating back to the 19th century.

The farmers around Wiggins, population 830, recently lost a lengthy war over access to the nearby South Platte River. To make ends meet, several of them banded together for a recent auction to raise money: combines, tractors, vintage trucks and piles of rusted scrap metal, all arranged in rows, waited to be gobbled up by buyers amid a cloud of dust hanging over the auction site.

“I’ve been auctioneering for 31 years. I’ve had the opportunity to call auctions for many different reasons — retirement, just broke. This is the most uncalled for, sad situation I’ve ever seen in my life,” said auctioneer Chuck Miller.

The farmers’ plight traces back to the late 1800s, when reservoir and ditch companies bought senior rights to the Platte. Some 30 years later, farmers drilled their first wells in the South Platte River Valley.

Water in Colorado is first come, first served. State law requires well users to have a supply of replacement water ready before they start pumping from the river to ensure there’s enough for the senior rights holders. For years, the state water engineer worked out ad hoc deals with farmers, allowing them to pump their wells without replacing water required by the law. There was enough to go around, and senior rights holders were satisfied.

Read more from the Associated Press by clicking here.

April 3, 2009 · Filed Under Colorado River & the Southwest

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