WSP11744

• File Number: 8111.805
• Description: Arkansas River Compact Administration - Keesee Ditch
• Basin: Arkansas
• Date: 1/1/1986
• Author: HRS Engineering
• Title: Keesee Ditch Change of Water Rights Vol 2 - Proposed Pan of Operation for Storage in John Martin Reservoir
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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INTRODUC').'ION

This report presents an engineering analysis for the proposed change of water
rights for the Keesee Ditch. The Keesee Ditch is located in Bent County, Colorado
and diverts water for irrigation use from the Arkansas River in Colorado Water
District 67. Application for the change of water rights has been made with the
Division 2 Water Court in Case No. 82CW130.

The application seeks to change the location and use of the Keesee Ditch
water rights from the present direct flow irrigation use to storage in John Martin
Reservoir and subsequent release for irrigation, domestic, municipal, commercial,
industrial and other beneficial uses. The application also seeks confirmation
of a right of exchange from storage in John Martin Reservoir to storage in Pueblo
Reservoir.

Colorado water law allows for the change of use or transfer of a water right
providing there is no injury to other water rights either in the amount, time,
or place of water availability. To prevent injury to other water users, the amount
of water to be transferred can be limited to the historical consumptive use
attributable to the water right. In addition, approval of the transfer may require
that the historical pattern of stream depletions be maintained under the new
operation of the water right.

Volume 1 of this report addressed the historical operation of the Keesee
Ditch and the resultant pattern of depletions in the flow of the Arkansas River.
Volume 2 addresses the transfer of water rights to storage in John Martin
Reservoir and the proposed plan of operation which will simulate the historical
operations of the ditch.

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