U.S. Supreme Court Lets Nebraska-Colorado Lawsuit on Platte River Water Proceed
The justices will consider whether Colorado is sending enough South Platte River water and whether Nebraska can advance a canal plan, attorneys said.
- On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Nebraska's lawsuit against Colorado regarding water access from the South Platte River, reviving a dispute over the 1923 South Platte River Compact.
- Nebraska officials allege Colorado violates the compact by allowing junior water users to intercept flows and obstructing construction of the Perkins County Canal, a project with $500 million already invested.
- The U.S. Solicitor General recommended the Court appoint a special master, noting Nebraska raises "weighty, but factual, questions about Colorado's Article IV compliance" while suggesting dismissal of other non-ripe claims.
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser denied the allegations on Monday, stating the state is "prepared to defend its rights under the South Platte River Compact," with 30 days to file a response.
- Legal experts anticipate years of litigation ahead, as a special master would investigate facts to propose legal findings for the Supreme Court, potentially resolving water rights disputes spanning more than 100 years.
19 Articles
19 Articles
U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on water battle between Colorado and Nebraska
The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on a legal battle over one of Colorado's critical water sources as Nebraska seeks to use more water from the South Platte River through the Perkins County Canal.
SCOTUS green-lights Nebraska vs. Colorado South Platte suit
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers claims Colorado has failed to meet its South Platte River flow obligations and hindered Nebraska’s canal revival. Colorado plans to vigorously defend its water entitlements.
Nebraska Examiner
U.S. Supreme Court lets Nebraska-Colorado South Platte River, Perkins County Canal case proceed
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, at center, and Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, announce a lawsuit against Colorado before the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to assert Nebraska's water rights to the South Platte River that crosses state lines. At left is Jesse Bradley, director of the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment. July 16, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)LINCOLN — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Nebraska’s claims ab…
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