Major Arkansas Valley water district votes to oppose purchase of farm water by city of Aurora

A major southern Colorado water district voted unanimously last week to oppose an $80.4 million agricultural water purchase by Aurora in the Arkansas Valley, saying the deal violates a 2003 agreement that prohibits the fast-growing city from taking more water out of the valley. Aurora would lease the water back to Arkansas Valley farmers in most years, using it periodically in dry periods. During a special meeting April 9, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District said it had numerous concerns with the purchase, which is set to close this month....