Frequently Asked Questions

The water share system at Rainbow Park Water Company operates as follows:

1. The company operates under a system of 600 shares. Each share represents a pro-rata portion of the company's water rights, which were originally acquired from the Union Ditch Co.
2. Shareholders own these shares, which entitle them to a proportional amount of the available water for irrigation purposes.
3. Water distribution is managed using a rotation method. This ensures equitable distribution of water based on shareholdings.
4. The amount of water available per share can vary from year to year, depending on factors such as snowpack, runoff, and overall water availability.
5. Shareholders are responsible for maintaining their own infrastructure (like headgates and boxes) to receive their allotted water.
6. The company employs a dedicated ditch rider who manages the water delivery system, working closely with shareholders to address their irrigation needs while adhering to established delivery policies.
7. Shareholders are typically expected to participate in the company's operations, which may include attending annual meetings, work days, and potentially serving in roles such as ditch captain in smaller associations.
8. Annual maintenance costs are usually shared by association members in proportion to the number of shares they hold.
9. Water rights associated with these shares are considered private property rights in Colorado. They can be sold or inherited, with prices varying according to supply and demand.
10. Any changes in water use or transfers of water rights typically require approval from the water court to ensure other water rights holders are not adversely affected.

This system allows for fair distribution of the available water resources while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and shareholder needs.