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Series: Colorado Water Law Basics #17 - Conditional & Absolute Water Rights: What’s the Difference?
In Colorado water rights there are two stages of water rights: conditional and absolute, which apply to all tributary water rights. An absolute right is a water right which has been proved in Water Court and the owner may use it indefinitely in accordance with their decree. Conditional water rights can be thought of as a trial period for water rights.
Can Rainwater be Collected and put to Beneficial Use in Colorado?
A limited amount of rainwater collection is allowed at private residences for beneficial use; while stormwater that is required to be controlled in detention ponds and/or flood control structures has to be released without beneficial use.