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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 0228 2.7 Summarv The foregoing information must be summarized to present a coherent understanding of the study scope and the essential issues to be addressed. The resulting understanding win determine the emphasis of the study activities and shape the content of succeeding chapters of this report. There are two purposes to the study. The first is to understand and characterize the Ft. Lyon Canal Company system, together with such surrounding area as may be affected by transfer of water out of the system. This is accomplished by an identification of issues, description and analysis of historical water transfers in the region, and developing knowledge of the forces underlying the motivation to buy and sen water. The physical and social systems are described in detail. The second purpose, following from the first, is to identify and analyze alternatives to a large-scale transfer. This is accomplished by seeking strategies, management tools and applications of resources which provide overall net benefit to the Ft. Lyon system and the region. Alternatives which present the possibility of hydrologic, economic, legal, social, and environmental feasibility, as compared to a large-scale out of basin transfer, should receive further attention. Those that do not should be set aside. Basin characteristics suggest that water availability is quite variable, distribution is highly developed and that water supply systems are complex and interdependent. Water quality is marginal, mainly due to naturally occurring high salinity, and is aggravated by intense use and reuse. Water transfers in Colorado are allowed, subject to the "no injury" rule, but can be controversial and expensive. The effects of a water transfer on third parties and the environment are not consistently addressed by Colorado law at present. Thirteen historical water transfers in the lower Arkansas Valley are identified and assessed. They have resulted in a net loss of 18 percent of irrigated land and associated production. Net impacts on the valley from these transfers are difficult to identify because most of the water has been used within the basin and imports of water by transmountain projects have increased over time. From the discussion of issues identified, the following are major issues to serve as focal points for the Ft. Lyon study: Ft. Lyon service area: 1. Is the on-farm operation affected by changes in ditch operations; does the dry-up of adjacent land affect non-sellers; are individual land and property values diminished; are on-farm operating costs increased? 2. Is the ditch company viability materially changed by; increase in cost for current services, decreases in the quality of maintenance and management services, increases in scope of company responsibilities? 2-15