Section 37-96.5-101 - Legislative declaration(1) The general assembly hereby finds and determines that, pursuant to sections 5 and 6 of article XVI of the state constitution, water is considered the property of the public, is dedicated to the use of the people, is subject to the doctrine of prior appropriation, and must be administered in accordance with the priority system established in article 92 of this title.(2) The general assembly declares that nothing in this article is intended to infringe upon or impair the doctrine of prior appropriation.(3) The general assembly further declares that the use of a rain barrel does not constitute a water right.Added by 2016 Ch. 161, § 1, eff. 8/10/2016.L. 2016: Entire article added, (HB 16-1005), ch. 161, p. 509, § 1, effective August 10.