Flood-relief well runs afoul of state water laws

Operators have shut down a well that was designed to provide flood relief on the Eastern Plains because of conflict over state water regulations. 

The well located near Gilcrest had been touted as a first step toward controlling flooding, and was was expected to pump 1,300 gallons of groundwater a minute in an effort to prevent further flooding of homes and farmland. It was shut down after just one day.

According to the Greeley Tribune, Gov. John Hickenlooper's staff says the decision to shut off the well stems from conflicting rules on how to account for the water entering the Union Ditch.