From farms to cities: Analysis shows Colorado-Big Thompson water right ownership changes

On Wednesday, 96 Colorado-Big Thompson water shares and 154 acres of farmland from the Carlson Family Trust were auctioned for $5,473,600 and $990,000, respectively. It was the second such water auction in February. Earlier this month, Carol Oswald Yoakum sold her 90 shares of Colorado-Big Thompson water for an average of $52,481 per share.

The Colorado-Big Thompson Project is a diversion project that brings water from melting snowpack in the Colorado River headwaters to the northeast portion of the state. Although it was originally intended for irrigation farming, its purpose has been evolving.

“Over time, those shares have shifted to municipal use as those farms have sold,” said John Thornhill, Windsor’s community development director. “People have sold their shares because water is a private property.”

Read the Full Article – The Coloradoan

Information on a pervious water auction can be read HERE.

Auctioneer and Hall and Hall Partner Scott Shuman had this to say about the auctions, “Both auctions were well attended with active bidding. I think bidders realized at the second auction that fewer units were available, and if they wanted or needed water units, they needed to step up and get it done. We had an additional city get involved with the second auction and sold farmland to kick off the Carlson auction. Both events were very successful.”