Two things have been critical to the relative success (fights still continue and water theft does occur) of the administration of water within Colorado. First, the State has the people and the processes in place to administer and manage water rights. Water Commissioners monitor day-to-day operations and a dedicated “water court” provides the legal backdrop for resolving conflicts. Second, most water basins within the state have active forums, boards and foundations that encourage discussion, community engagement, education, outreach and even the management of State or Federal grants for water related projects that support the stakeholders. In addition, these “stakeholders” are comprised of more than just municipal, agricultural and industrial interests, but also include environmental, recreational, state and federal entities. Of note, environmental and recreational interests can obtain a defined water right (e.g., related to stream flows) within Colorado.

Historical and modern day experiences in Colorado continue to teach us that water is a resource that will only become scarcer as population grows and cyclic and permanent climate changes are experienced. Through both the active administration by the State and the participation of the stakeholders (who also vigorously challenge, educate and collaborate with State and Federal agencies), water threats and challenges are faced with an “eyes wide open” approach to planning and management that will hopefully protect and provide for future generations of stakeholders.

Ignoring water threats, disputes and challenges is unacceptable and falls in a “pay me know, or pay me later” routine. The burden often falls on those that are injured by the theft or mismanagement of water rights. We believe that Dr. Gleick’s article is dead-on in that we must stimulate, encourage and challenge the discussions around the current and future state of water and the overwhelming need to aggressively administer this precious resource. Without the proper administration of existing water rights, and an appropriate level of stakeholder interaction, water users will continue to “steal” water as needed rather than plan for the future. Ultimately, it may fall on the stakeholders to drive accountability for the administration of the water rights and, unfortunately, it sometimes requires the legal water rights holders to sue those that are stealing the water; an additional unacceptable burden of the water right holder to play the part of “administrator.”

Molson Coors appreciates the challenges that Dr. Gleick has presented. Specifically, it would appear that California could learn a lot from both the governmental agencies and broad base of stakeholders within Colorado (we would suggest that a strong opportunity exists for dialogue between all interested parties).

Editor’s note: Molson Coors is a Circle of Blue contributor and has supported Circle of Blue’s independent reporting and research, including the recent GlobeScan survey project, WaterViews.

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