Property OwnershipIntermediateColorado Exam

Under Colorado's prior appropriation water rights system, a water right holder can lose their right through:

AMoving to a different state

BAbandonment — non-use combined with intent to abandonCorrect

CSale of the adjacent land

DFailure to pay annual water fees, under standard practice

Why Abandonment — non-use combined with intent to abandon Is Correct

Answer B: Abandonment — non-use combined with intent to abandon

Under Colorado water law, a water right can be lost through abandonment, which requires both non-use of the water right AND an intent to abandon it. In Colorado, non-use for 10 years raises a rebuttable presumption of abandonment.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Easement

A non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).

Encumbrance

Any claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to real property that affects its value or limits its use.