La Plata River Compact (1922)

The States of Colorado and New Mexico, with the consent of Congress, entered into this compact for the division of the waters of the La Plata River. 

Between the period of the first day of December and the 15th day of February of each year, each state shall have unrestricted right to the use of water flowing within its boundaries.

Between the 15th day of February and the first day of December, each state shall have unrestricted use of waters within its boundaries when the mean daily flow at the interstate station is 100 cubic feet per second or more.

During this period, if the flow at the interstate station drops below 100 cubic feet per second, Colorado must deliver one-half of the mean flow at the Hesperus Station the following day, but delivery need not exceed 100 cubic feet per second.

If, in the opinion of the respective state engineers, the greatest beneficial use of water at periods of low flow can be accomplished by alternating the use of the entire flow, the water may also be rotated.

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