Colo. Rev. Stat. § 37-50-101
The conservation of the water of the Republican river, its tributaries, and that portion of the Ogallala aquifer underlying the district for compliance with the Republican river compact are of vital importance to the growth and development of the entire area and the welfare of all its inhabitants. To promote the health and general welfare of this state, an appropriate agency should be established for the conservation, use, and development of the water resources of the Republican river, its tributaries, and that portion of the Ogallala aquifer underlying the district to cooperate with and assist this state to carry out the state's duty to comply with the limitations and duties imposed upon the state by the Republican river compact and given such powers as may be necessary to safeguard for Colorado all waters to which the state is equitably entitled.
C.R.S. § 37-50-101