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<br />0=1948 <br /> <br />CONCLUSIONS <br /> <br />Detailed studies for better util ization of the Arkansas River water <br /> <br /> <br />resources of Colorado have resulted in the following findings and con- <br /> <br />clusions: <br /> <br /> <br />(I) The limited and variable flows of the Arkansas River are generally <br /> <br /> <br />inadequate to supply fully the irrigation water requirements of <br /> <br />the basin. <br /> <br /> <br />(2) The use of wells in recent years has materially decreased the <br /> <br /> <br />surface flow available to direct flow and storage rights. <br /> <br /> <br />(3) It is estimated that 1,600,000 acre-feet of ground water are <br /> <br /> <br />contained in the alluvium between Pueblo and the State line, of <br /> <br />which 460,000 acre-feet are theoretically available for economical <br /> <br /> <br />use. Approximately 300,000 acre-feet of the total are downstream <br /> <br /> <br />from John Martin Reservoir, and 160,000 acre-feet are upstream. <br /> <br />(4) The best utilization of the basin water resources could be accom- <br /> <br /> <br />plished through the integrated or conjunctive use of wells, the <br /> <br /> <br />storage of winter flows and excessive diversions, and the delivery <br /> <br />of water in phase with crop requirements. <br /> <br /> <br />(5) Any management plan for conjunctive use must be basin-wide to <br /> <br /> <br />protect vested water rights in accordance with the Appropriation <br /> <br />Doctrine. Flexibil ity and security are two important criteria in <br /> <br /> <br />any basin management plan. <br /> <br />(6) The use and re-\lse of the bas i n water resource has resu!'.d in a <br /> <br /> <br />deterioration of water quality downstream from Pueblo. <br /> <br /> <br />(7) A basin management district need not include the major tribu- <br /> <br />taries below Pueblo because of the limited benefits to these <br /> <br /> <br />areas. Water originating in the tributaries would be subject to <br /> <br /> <br />demands of appropriators On the Arkansas River. <br /> <br /> <br />(8) The use of wells in the flood plain could salvage water now <br /> <br /> <br />lost through non-beneficial consumptive use. <br /> <br />3 <br />