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~ ~( ~ "\2 ABSTRACT Artificial recharge is a newly emerging technology in water management in the South Platte River Basin of Colorado. Currently there are about 44 recharge sites being operated, mostly for the purpose of augmenting stream- flows. Augmentation is needed to offset the stream depletion caused by pumping from the alluvium along the river. These augmentation/recharge projects have evolved out of the quest for better basin water management in order to optimize the use of a limited water supply. Pilot recharge projects were first tried in the early 1960s. Some of them were recharge demonstrations and some were research sites. They are summarized in the report with brief deSCriptions of each project. These pilot projects proved the feasibility of artificial recharge in the South Platte Basin. More recently water supply organizations have begun to establish augmentation/recharge sites, largely taking advantage of existing facilities such as canals and seepage ponds. The report documents give their physical characteristics, water supplies and operating plans. The role of each site in an augmentation plan is described. The purpose of most of the artificial recharge sites is to produce return flow to the river for augmentation. The current analytical methods being used to calculate the timing and amount of return flow from a recharge site are reviewed. The two most popular methods are: (1) the Glover method; and (2) the Stream Depletion Factor method (based on the Glover method). Example applications of each method are given. The current laws and administrative rules which govern augmentation/ recharge in, the South Platte Basin are summarized. A typical plan for Hi :i