The Water Right Determination and Administration Act of 1969 created seven water divisions based upon the drainage patterns of various rivers in Colorado. Each water division is staffed with a division engineer, appointed by the state engineer; a water judge, appointed by the Supreme Court; a water referee, appointed by the water judge; and a water clerk, assigned by the district court. Water judges are district judges appointed by the Supreme Court and have jurisdiction in the determination of water rights, the use and administration of water, and all other water matters within the jurisdiction of the water divisions.

The Weld County Courthouse is home to the Division 1 Water Court and Water Referee. The Water Court Clerk's Office is located on the fourth floor of the main Courthouse. The court and offices also serves the Upper Crow Creek Designated Ground Water Basin.

 Business in Colorado Water Courts

 Colorado Division of Water Resources (information on the water process in Colorado)

 Colorado Foundation for Water Education, Citizen's Guide to Water Compacts

 Colorado Foundation for Water Education, History of the South Platte River (This is a large file, please be patient as it downloads)

 Colorado Foundation for Water Education, Invisible Rivers, The Struggle of Early American Explorers to Map Colorado's Rivers

 Colorado Water Courts

 Colorado Water Law Review: An Historical Overivew by Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory J. Hobbs, Jr.

 History of Water Division 1

 Non-Attorney's Guidebook to Colorado Water Courts (2009), guidebook explaining the process of adjudicating a water right in water court prepared by the Colorado Supreme Court Water Court Committee.

 Water Division 1 - South Platte River Basin