WSP11744 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PROPOSED PLAN OF OPERATION Based on the analysis of historical operations of the Keesee Ditch, a proposed plan of operation was developed in which water may be stored in John Martin Reservoir without injury to other water users in Colorado Water District 67 or the State of Kansas. The purpose of the plan is twofold: first of all, to maintain the flexibility of the water right for a variety of future beneficial uses; and secondly, to maintain historical return flow patterns for the benefit of downstream water users. Superimposed on these two purposes are the constraints associated with the change in location of the water right, and the operating procedures for storage in John Martin Reservoir. Short-term and long-term limits on use will prevent future expansion of the water right beyond the historical use. Incorporation of transit losses into return flow releases and diversion accounting will accomodate the effects of the change in location for the water right. And finally, accounting for diversion, storage and release is designed to be easily incorporated within the current John Martin Reservoir operations. Because reservoir operations are divided into winter and summer storage seasons, the proposed Keesee Ditch operating plan is similarly divided. Winter Storage Season During the winter storage season, all inflows to John Martin Reservoir accrue to the Conservation Pool. Reservoir releases to District 67 ditches during this time must be made from agreement accounts and rarely occur past the middle of November or before April. Historically, Keesee Ditch diversions during the winter have been derived in part from reservoir releases and in part from seepage and return flows originating below the John Martin Dam. During times when the reservoir gates were closed, the entire Keesee diversion would have originated from these accretions. -9-