Water Resources

Water and vegetation in the foreground with trees in the background.

The State Land Board manages a portfolio of water rights and water related resources. Water resources are used on state trust land and also leased for use on private land. The agency considers proposals to monetize or enhance water related assets through development, acquisition, and disposal. For questions or assistance, please contact Greg Ochis at 303-866-3454 ext. 3309 (greg.ochis@state.co.us).

Projects and Information

FAQs

What water assets are in the State Land Board’s portfolio?

The State Land Board considers lease proposals on any leasable mineral. The most common lease types are oil & gas, CO2, coal, sand and gravel, crushed stone, and limestone. Other activities and lease types include water disposal wells, gas storage, geothermal, surface use agreements, no surface occupancy agreements, and mineral non-development leases.

The current portfolio of water assets includes:

Approximately 100 shares in 9 different ditch companies
Seventeen decreed structures
117 decreed ground water structures
Approximately 250,000 acres of surface ownership and reserved groundwater associated with state trust mineral estate located above or within the Denver Basin aquifers.

What are the future plans for the State Land Board water assets?

The State Land Board continues to explore opportunities to increase the value of the current water assets with intentions to acquire additional water assets that can be used on state trust land.

Water Resources

Projects and Information

FAQs

Forms and Instructions