How is water managed in the State of Colorado?
Douglas County Government does not issue water permits nor does it provide water. The Colorado Division of Water Resources, also known as the State Engineer’s Office, issues water permits, administers water rights, monitors stream flow and water use, inspects dams for safety, maintains databases of Colorado water information, and represents Colorado in interstate water compact proceedings. The main source of water in Douglas County is ground water pumped from the Denver Basin Aquifer System. Approximately 485 square miles of the Denver Basin underlies Douglas County. The remaining western portion of the County overlies a granitic formation. It is important to note these two differences because the type of well permit required will depend on where in the County you plan to drill, increase the size of, or change the use of your well. Douglas County requires minimum water demand standards when an existing district providing the water supply has its own standards, and water documentation s
