In a county where annual precipitation nearly meets desert standards water becomes a very important aspect to the daily life of Chaffee County citizens. It is the “life blood” of our economy as well as our personal needs. Chaffee County Democrats support efforts that enhance the quality and quantity of water in the county.
Therefore Chaffee County Democrats support:
- Colorado Water Law – “First in Time, First in Priority”.
- County 1041 regulations concerning water and wildlife.
- Accountability from officials who make Water Policy that affects Chaffee County.
- The concept of “Beneficial Use” to include Recreation.
- Being aware of the future impacts of climate change on water availability and planning for mitigation of these impacts.
- Strategies to keep Native Water Rights in Chaffee County, including “Basin of Origin” protection.
- Measures to insure Aquifer Recharge adequate to maintain present groundwater supplies.
- Mitigation of effects on land due to loss of water rights by planting drought resistant plants.
- Minimum in-stream flows, riparian protection and land steward practices that reduce sedimentation runoff.
- Insuring that new developments meet standards for water quality, quantity and dependability.
- Protecting ground water by encouraging developments to connect to municipal sewage systems when possible or to construct well designed and effective septic systems.
- All efforts to conserve and use water more efficiently.