MetroSouthPlatteInterimBasinWaterSupplyNeedsReport (2)

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Section 1 Introduction -- mechanism to fund environmental and recreational enhancement beyond the project mitigation measures required by law, conflicts among M&I, agricultural, recreational, and environmental users could intensify. 9. The ability of smaller, rural water providers and agricultural water users to adequately address their existing and future water needs is significantly affected by their financial capabilities. 10. While SWSI evaluated water needs and solutions through 2030, very few M&I water providers have identified supplies beyond 2030. Beyond 2030, growing demands may require more aggressive solutions. These Findings and the Recommendations found in Section 11.3 of the SWSI Report were drawn from all aspects of the SWSI process. However, they should not be viewed as consensus products of the SWSI Basin Roundtables. 1.5 Major Findings in the South Platte Basin and Denver/South Metro Counties Below is an overview of the individual issues in the South Platte Basin and Denver/South Metro Counties identified in the SWSI Report. These findings are provided here to assist the reader in linking issues in the South Platte Basin and Denver/South Metro Counties to SWSI implementation and to the goals set forth by the Interbasin Compact Process. . Colorado's most diverse and industrialized basin. Agriculture is still a dominant water use but rapid changes are occurring and the impacts to rural communities are a key concern. . Competition for water is fierce and it is unclear how much competition there is for the same water supplies. . The lack of any new major water storage in the last 20 years has led to reliance on non-renewable groundwater in Douglas, Arapahoe, and northern EI Paso (EI Paso County is in the Arkansas Basin) Counties. Explosive growth in these counties coupled with the lack of surface water supplies led to the creation of multiple small water districts and makes CONI 1-6 coordinated water development a challenge and less efficient especially in light of limited renewable surface water supplies. . Water reuse and conservation are major components to meeting future water needs but this will put added pressure on agriculture as return flows diminish. . The urban landscape is very important to the economy and an important component to quality of life. . Transfers of agricultural water rights to M&I use will continue to be a significant option for meeting future needs. 1.6 SWSI Phase 2 The SWSI Report was completed in 2004 and established a path forward for SWSI based on its findings. Phase 2 is expected to conclude in mid-2006; however, full implementation of SWSI elements will take place over a period of years and decades. In tandem, the Interbasin Compact Process further establishes the framework for long-term water supply planning in Colorado on an interbasin basis. Helping ensure Colorado's water future is a complex and difficult challenge. Addressing our water future means that we must ensure the social, economic, and cultural health and integrity of all of our river basins. Goals should be met by developing sound implementable objectives that can be met regularly over a longer term if SWSI's success is to be capitalized on. We now know, based on the SWSI Basin Roundtable information, Colorado can potentially meet 80 percent of its M&I water needs by 2030; however, some water suppliers may need help building infrastructure, mitigating and permitting projects, enhancing and improving the environment, and conserving water. We also now know that the state can reassure the General Assembly and other state decision makers to an extent never before possible that we are not facing an immediate water crisis, but long-term challenges. There are certainly some tough decisions to be made and parts of the state need to take action sooner than others, but realistically, none of these tough decisions or actions can be made overnight or in an atmosphere of crisis. S:\1177\BASIN REPORTSlSOUTH PLATTE\S1_S0UTH PLATTE. DOC