BOARD00055 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Section 2 Reports From Basin Roundtables IU~'~j:~J' 2.6.3 North Platte Basin Needs Assessment Accomplishments I Ms. Susan Morea of COM gave a presentation on the SWSI Report and updated the North Platte Basin ' Roundtable regarding SWSI Phase II progress. A Water Supply and Needs Report for the North Platte Basin was prepared utilizing information from the SWSI Report as required by Section 37-75-104(c)(II). North Platte Roundtable members are utilizing the SWSI Report and Basin Water Supply and Needs Report as baseline data to begin the development of the basin-wide consumptive and nonconsumptive water supply needs assessment. Members also reference the resources and information provided in the Director's Notebooks provided by the CFWE and other data and resource information available from the local water conservancy districts, the DWR and I the CWCB. The SWSI Report and Basin Water Supply and Ne~ds Report have indicated that the North Platte Basin is not expected to see significant increases in M&I water ~eeds between now and 2030, and that irrigated agricultural acreage is expected to remain within the amount allowed under the U.S. Supreme Court Decree that equitably apportions the water in the North Platte River between Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming. SWSI indicate9 that the North Platte Basin's future demands will primarily be met using existing supplies and water rights and that opportunities to manage water to enhance the I environment and recreational opportunities may exist in the basin. Analyses conducted during SWSI showed that no gap is anticipated in the North Platte Basin, but additional storage may be required for drought reliability. Members of the North Platte Basin Roundtable have discussed and brain-stormed the water supply needs assessment for the North Platte during three of the last four meetings and have identified potential data and information gaps, water issues, projects or water management options and water related activities for future consideration in meeting the basin's and state's future water needs. Input from the Basin Advisor and discussion of potential task orders is scheduled on the agenda for the October 24, 2006 meeting of the North Platte Basin Roundtable. 2.6.4 Major Water Issues in the North, Platte Basin , Based on the findings in the needs assessment, the Basin Roundtables are tasked with identifing major water issues in their basin and proposing projects or methpds to meet those needs. The major water issues in eac,h basin as identified during SWSI served as a startingl point I 2-12 for the Basin Roundtables to further develop and refine their own list of major water issues. Generally there has not been discord among water users or contentious issues in the North Platte Basin. Issues identified in SWSI related to ensuring protection of existing water supplies, impacts of the lack of forest management, and the importance that the Endangered Species issues on the Platte River in Central Nebraska are resolved in a manner that does not put pressure on North Platte water users to reduce existing uses. It is interesting to note that SWSI indicated that the North Platte Basin was Colorado's only basin with concern over lack of growth and economic development. This lack of growth and economic development is probably why meeting M&I water supply demands has not been an issue in this basin in the past. As North Platte Basin Roundtable members become more aware and educated about all aspects of water rights, consumptive and nonconsumptive water supply needs and supply, more water issues will be identified. The North Platte Basin Roundtable discussion and brain- storming sessions have brought forth the following additional issues: . Storage, existing diversion structures and water right use classification for the Town of Walden, Jackson County's only incorporated municipality . Forest management in light of the extensive mountain pine beetle epidemic and the potential damage to watersheds and water supplies from catastrophic wildland fire . Quantification of available unappropriated waters within the basin . Potential impacts from coal-bed methane development . Consumptive uses and losses and high-altitude crop coefficients . Gaining knowledge and understanding of the South Platte Decision Support System as it may affect the basin and historical documentation of irrigated acreage . How can the North Platte Basin assist the State of Colorado in meeting future water needs and supplies Analyses conducted during SWSI showed that no gap is anticipated in the North Platte Basin, but additional storage may be required for drought reliability. S:\IBC Support\Report to Leglslature\Sectlon 2 nnal.doc