Denver Metropolitan Water : Colorado issues well permits despite declining groundwater December 6, 2009 B-1, B-4

Ignoring a depleting groundwater supply, the State of Colorado's water engineers continue to issue well permits. According to the article's author, Bruce Finley, the state disregards the need for conservation and conforms to the letter of state statutes. The department defers any decision on changes to the policy to the affected counties or the General Assembly. Natural conditions, the depth to which suppliers need to drill to obtain water, act as the major deterent to drilling. The increased cost to drill more and deeper wells has reduced the number of permits requested. According to the article, "The Colorado Division of Water Resources' 2009 report on groundwater indicates levels are falling by as much as 30 feet a year at heavily mined areas around Castle Rock" (p. B-4).
Faced with declining water resources and a growing population, water suppliers in the South Metro areas have sought alternative sources, such as mountain rivers, diversions, and reuse.
They anticipate a doubling of population, to 400,000, by 2030. The county officials warn developers of water realities but continue to allow growth.