Colorado State University

Abstract:

Colorado is fortunate to have a long-standing, reliable system called Prior Appropriation that is the basis for water rights administration in the state. That, coupled with a history of relying on science and engineering, has created a foundation for allocating the limited water resource in a state that relies on water for myriad uses including agricultural, municipal, commercial, industrial, recreational, and environmental needs. However, as in the past, evolving needs and uncertain supply continues to ask a lot of our legal and science-based system of water allocation, which tests the flexibility of our existing laws and our willingness to change laws to adapt. This session will address the challenges of addressing our evolving needs and new initiatives within our system of water rights administration.

Bio:

Kevin Rein is a professional engineer with water resources expertise in the areas of water rights administration and engineering. He worked at the State Engineer’s Office from 1998 through 2023 and was the State Engineer and Director of the Colorado Division of Water Resources from 2017 through his retirement in 2023. In that role, he directed the work of the State Engineer’s Office in the areas of administration of water rights in Colorado, issuing well permits, performing administrative approvals for water use, administering programs that ensure the safety of dams and the safe construction of water wells, managing compliance with interstate compacts, and providing information and education resources to the public. Kevin is a Denver native and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from CSU.

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