WSP10952

• File Number: 8240.200.30.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Instream Flows
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1990
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: Protection of Instream Flows for Endangered Colorado River Fishes in Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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D. Determining Flow Needs in the IS-mile Reach.

1. The FWS submitted its flow recommendations of 700-
1,200 c.f.s. for July, August, and September to the
Colorado Water Conservation Board in August 1989. These
recommendations were finalized after thorough reviews and
comments by all participants. Numerous drafts were
developed to address concerns expressed by the state and
water development interests.

2, The Board completed its review in January 1990, and
agreed that the methodology and biological data are
adequate to make an instream flow appropriation in some
amount for three months, but that the Board does not have
sufficient information to make its statutory required
finding of water availability. The Board staff and FWS
will be working on obtaining funding for obtaining these
data.

3. The FWS is continuing work on studies to quantify flow
needs for the remainder of the year.

E. Protecting Instream Flows in the IS-mile Reach.

1.
for
end

The BOR has
the IS-mile
of April.

been studying alternative water supplies
reach and the study results are due the

a. The alternatives that the BOR have been examining
are:

(1) release of water from new or existing
reservoirs;

(2) purchase of existing agricultural water rights
from willing sellers;

(3) relocation of the point of diversion of water
diverted to the Grand Valley irrigation systems;

(4) improvement of irrigation efficiency in the
Grand Valley so that water diversions could be
reduced;

(5) original instream flow appropriations by the
state; and

(6) consideration of miscellaneous alternatives
including ground water pumping.

b. The BOR will identify potential institutional and
legal constraints of alternatives. A related legal

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