Water Law

At Welborn, we are recognized leaders in water law. Water resources issues in Colorado are complex, and we have the knowledge and experience to help our clients navigate through these challenges with confidence. We have deep experience in all matters that involve water, including:

  • the initiation, protection, and transfer of water rights
  • water rights due diligence
  • changes in the points of diversion or purpose of use
  • the purchase and sale of water rights
  • groundwater permits
  • approval of plans of augmentation
  • water legislation

Our water attorneys represent industrial clients, municipal water utilities and other water providers, nonprofit associations, natural resource development companies, electric utilities, ranchers and farmers, water conservancies and ditch companies, individuals, and land developers on all issues regarding ground water and surface water rights throughout Colorado, and in New Mexico. We work with federal, state and local water administration officials and agencies to help our clients navigate any regulatory challenges, and we represent clients in water courts and in administrative proceedings. We strive to resolve matters without the need for lengthy and expensive litigation, but we have the experience and expertise to litigate any matter at the agency, trial court, and appellate levels to reach the best resolution for our clients.

Our water law team features lawyers recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and Top Lawyers.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS:

  • Represented one of Colorado’s largest private water rights holders on all matters involving water court applications, oppositions, and appeals
  • Represented one of Colorado’s fastest growing municipalities in all aspects of its acquisition and protection of water resources to supply its constituents into the future
  • Represented a nonprofit association that manages the water rights of a major federal reservoir for the benefit of various users, including municipalities, state agencies, and Indian tribes
  • Planned, drafted, and testified in support of successful legislation to create a precipitation harvesting pilot program in Colorado
  • Worked closely with a water district to identify, evaluate, acquire, and adjudicate the water supply for a large development in Douglas County