Deep Groundwater Gets a
and set criteria for the State Engineer to
100-Year Minimum Aquifer Life
follow in issuing well permits in these
Between 1965 and 1973, many new wells
bedrock aquifers.
were being drilled into the deep bedrock
For the first time, the general assembly
aquifers of the Denver Basin. This includ-
spelled out that landowners had the right
ed areas in the South Platte River basin
to develop deep non-tributary groundwa-
and in the south Denver metro area.
ter underlying their property. To set a limit
Concern over the amount of water
on pumping rates, the legislature adopted
being pumped and the life of these aqui-
a 100-year pumping regime. Regulations
fers led to Senate Bill 213 passed in 1973.
were implemented that allowed landown-
This legislation established how water
ers to withdraw water at the rate of one
pumped from deep and potentially non-
percent of the aquifer resource under
renewable aquifers should be managed
their property per year.
Does a Well Permit Guarantee a 100-year Water Supply? A Denver Basin well permit does not guarantee a 100-year water supply. Actually, the well permit gives a person the legal right to drill for water. Even when water is encountered, an estimate of available water is made, and a one percent withdrawal rate determined. Because of the uncertainty of available water estimates, the supply may last more or less than 100 years.
A group of Montrose, Colorado, citizens (circa 1885) pose in front of equipment used to drill an artesian well in Montrose County.
Citizen’s Guide to Denver Basin Groundwater
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