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significant development upstream in the Green. Ut ah and New Mexico, they have a <br />different view of the situation since they are reliant on stream flows that come out of <br />Colorado and Wyoming. They are looking at projects that will complete their compact <br />allocations, and have not yet looked at any type of c urtailment. They would probably <br />rely on flows out of the two Upper Basin states. They have built that into their allocation, <br />and would be the first to be curtailed. The Lower basin is developing pell - mell and <br />doesn’t really care what their allocations a re. Colorado has the opportunity of being <br />upstream with the shovel rather than downstream with the lawyer. <br /> <br />Metro Roundtable Presentation <br /> <br />Five members of the Metro Roundtable presented perspectives from around the Denver area. <br />Their remarks are summ arized below, followed by discussion. See the Powerpoint presentations <br />(available separately) prepared by each speaker for further details. <br /> <br />Doug Scott, Chair of Metro Roundtable : Doug gave an overview of economic and <br />population forecasts for the Metro a rea, highlighting significant projected growth through <br />2035 and increasing demand for water. He presented SWSI GAP analysis numbers, <br />including projects identified to help address the GAP, and discussed efforts by Metro <br />entities to work toward a more coord inated, integrated and cooperative system. <br /> <br />John Hendrick, General Manager, South Metro Water Supply Authority: John explained <br />the Authority’s history and reliance on deep aquifer water, also discussing the significant <br />growth projected in Douglas County and other areas in the S outh Metro area. He told the <br />group that g roundwater is not a good source for water over the long run for the Authority, <br />because pumping over time lowers p ressure head on artesian wells. While l ots of water <br />remains in the ground , wells are becoming less productive and registering double digit <br />declines. South Metro municipalities are facing the question of what to do with growth <br />and their decli ning ability to rely on the aquifer as a water source. <br /> <br />The South Metro area is engaged i n significant conservation efforts, including reuse <br />projects. A SMWSA Master Plan is being developed to show how return flows can be <br />captured , and the Authority is looking at other sources of water, as well as opportunities <br />for collaboration . <br /> <br />Mark Koleb er, Adams Co unty and City of Thornton Water Manager (speaking on behalf <br />of the Metro Roundtable and the North Metro area): Mark spoke of significant <br />cooperation in Adams County, including agreements to jointly operate water facilities <br />and share water supp lies between municipalities. According to the statewide population <br />projections, the Adams County will grow much faster than the statewide average. The <br />area is keeping conservation on the forefront, while facing significant water volume <br />problems. There i s intense competition for the little surface water that originates in the <br />basin. Wells are another option, but like other areas wells are expensive, water is not of <br />highest quality and they have declining productivity. Some areas in Adams County are <br />runn ing the risk of their wate r running out. Non - tributary groundwater is not a long term <br />solution. Municipalities are recycling water for non - potable uses, but there is not enough <br /> 13 <br />