If you study our law's history, this is not so strange.

Remember there was, and is the concept of a 'commons' where a basic resource was shared, ie grazing land.

The 'West' has always been built largely on water, and it's lack. A good book is Cadillac Dreams.

Water is going to be the next big resource issue, far eclipsing energy (oil.)ther have already been conflicts with foriegn cmpanys buying native resources.

that States have placed such language into hte civil code is more preemtive than punitive.

I doubt, unlike our state with drought conservation history with actual enforcement, that Colorado will be sending in water SWAT temas. But, imagine a commercial enterprise setting up collection stations that takes millions of gallons in a late, 21st century scenario.