WSP12418 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

f'l · .. !!:' l'''' :.1 ._ ",_J ..""" ' 1. All previously vested rights and uses protected by law, including an appropriation from a well, shall be protected. 2. The present use of wells, either independently or in conjunction with surface rights shall be given the fullest possible recognition. However, this principle will be limited by existing vested rights. Each diverter must establish a reasonable means of diversion and he cannot command the whole flow to take his appropriation. 3. Use of a well may be an alternate or supplemental source for a surface decree. 4. No junior appropriator can be limited unless this reduction would result in an increased water supply available to the senior appropriator. This princi- ple recognized the "futile call" concept whereby the overall concept of maximization of beneficial use.(I) In 1975, the State Engineer issued a set of four rules prepared speCifically for the South Platte Basin. These four rules are listed in Appendix A of this report. In RULE 1, "underground water" is defined as water that is hydraulically connected to the South Platte River, and is considered different from designated groundwater. RULE 2 sets a three year schedule (beginning with 1974) for curtailment of pumping, ending with complete curtailment in the year 1976. It further states that no curtailment will occur if a decreed augmentation plan exists for the well. RULE 3 discusses temporary plans for augmentation, which must be reviewed by the State Engineer's office every year. RULE 4 states the criteria by which the calculation of stream depletion is made. These rules called for plans of augmentation and brought about the establishment of water-user organizations. These organizations charge , . membership :fees which they use to develop augmentation plans and recharge projects. The Central Colorado Water Conservancy District (Central) and Ground Water Appropriators of the South Platte (GASP) are two water-user 3 " ,,-. ;., __,~.., .._",,(~,1ti~