(1) The general assembly: (a) Finds that the division of water resources in the department of natural resources needs timely and accurate data regarding well ownership in order to efficiently and accurately account for wells and to ensure that wells are properly constructed and maintained; (b) Determines that current data concerning well ownership is inadequate and that a substantial number of residential real estate transactions that transfer ownership of a well are not reported to the division; (c) Determines that current and accurate data is necessary for the state to notify well owners of any health, safety, water right, or stewardship issues pertaining to their groundwater well; and (d) Declares that this section is intended to provide the division with the information it needs to properly carry out its statutory duties. (2) In the conveyance of water rights in all cases, except where the ownership of stock in ditch companies or other companies constitutes the ownership of a water right, the same formalities shall be observed and complied with as in the conveyance of real estate. (3) (a) As used in this subsection (3): (I) "Closing service" means closing and settlement services, as defined in section 10-11- 102, C.R.S. (II) "Division" means the division of water resources in the department of natural resources. (III) "Person" means any individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, limited liability company, partnership, association, or other legal entity. (b) (I) On and after January 1, 2009, when a buyer of residential real estate enters into a transaction that results in the transfer of ownership of a small capacity well listed in section 37- 90-105 (1)(a) or (1)(b) or a domestic exempt water well used for ordinary household purposes that is listed in section 37-92-602 (1)(b) or (1)(e), the buyer shall complete a change in owner name form for the well in compliance with section 37-90-143; except that, if an existing well has not yet been registered with the division, the buyer shall complete a registration of existing well form for the well within sixty-three days after closing the transaction. (II) The residential real estate contract approved by the real estate commission created in section 12-10-206 shall require the buyer to complete the appropriate form for the well and, if no person will be providing a closing service in connection with the transaction, to file the form with the division within sixty days after closing. (c) (I) If a person provides a closing service in connection with a residential real estate transaction subject to this subsection (3), that person shall: (A) Within sixty days after closing, submit the change in owner name form to the division with as much information as is available, even if the well has not yet been registered with the division; and (B) Not be liable for delaying the closing of the transaction in order to ensure that the buyer completes the form required by subsection (3)(b)(I) of this section. If the closing is delayed pursuant to this subsection (3)(c)(I)(B), neither the buyer nor the seller shall have any claim under this section for relief against the buyer, the seller, the person who provided closing services, a title insurance company regulated pursuant to article 11 of title 10, or any person licensed pursuant to article 10 of title 12. (II) If no person provides such closing service, the buyer shall submit the appropriate form within the deadline specified in sub-subparagraph (A) of subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (c) and pay the applicable fee. (III) If the change in owner name form described in subsection (3)(c)(I)(A) of this section does not include a valid well permit number, the division shall instruct the buyer to complete a new change in owner name form or registration of existing well form, as applicable, and the buyer shall submit the applicable form to the division.
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