Well water permits and water rights in Summit County, Colorado

Most new and older homes in unincorporated Summit County are on well water systems. Many well permits, issued by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, limit the allowable use of water to indoor purposes only. The state can fine violators that use water from an "exempt" well for irrigating a lawn or garden, washing a car, filling an outside hot tub, or for any other disallowed outdoor use of water. Summit County Government is in the process of augmenting its water rights in order to lease them to homeowners who desire to upgrade their well permit. To inquire about leasing augmented water rights, call the Summit County Manager's office at 970 453 2561. For more info on water rights in Colorado, see www.water.state.co.us or call the State Office for Well Permits at 303 866 3587.