When Colorado's pioneers arrived, they quickly discovered that Colorado's arid climate posed unique water allocation problems. The pioneers, mostly miners, created a new system of allocation based on mining laws and the principle of "first in time, first in right." This system, known as the prior appropriation doctrine, is the system of water law Colorado and some other western states maintain today.

Over time, Colorado water law has developed into a complex system for allocating the use of water to meet the demands of Colorado's water users. To be successful in this system, Colorado water rights owners must create and execute a plan to protect their water rights in both the courtroom and the streams and ditches across Colorado.

Moses, Wittemyer, Harrison and Woodruff, P.C. has been helping Colorado water users navigate Colorado's complex water law system since 1973. Collectively, our attorneys provide nearly a century of experience practicing water law in Colorado. Moses Wittemyer is named a Tier 1 Water Law law firm on U.S. News & World Report, "Best Law Firms" list in 2013. In addition, Moses, Wittemyer, Harrison and Woodruff, P.C. provides a complete array of legal services as general counsel to special districts, including water and sanitation districts.

Whatever your needs, please contact Moses, Wittemyer, Harrison, and Woodruff, P.C. to discuss how we can help you accomplish your goals.

Areas of Expertise

Water Rights Adjudication
Water Rights Transactions
Special District Law
Municipal Water Planning
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