09/21/2026
A well, water tap and irrigation are not the same thing. 💧🦆💧
In La Plata County, one property may have all three—and each serves a different purpose:
🏠 Private well: Draws groundwater and can only be used as permitted. Household use does not automatically include pasture irrigation or livestock.
🚰 Water tap: Connects the home to a municipal, district or community water system. The provider determines fees, usage and transfer requirements.
🌱 Irrigation water: Typically used for pasture, crops or landscaping. Delivery may depend on ditch shares, snowpack, runoff, season and infrastructure.
Three water resources. Three sets of documents. Three different conversations.
When buying rural property, don’t stop at “Does it have water?” Ask where it comes from, what it can legally be used for and what will transfer with the property.
Because in Southwest Colorado, your water may matter more than your kitchen.
Water rights, permitted uses, quality and availability should be independently verified for each property.
