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.f , . 001358 RECHARGE ITS ROLE IN TOTAL WATER MANAGEMENT . ARKANSAS VALLEY OF COLORADO by Donald L. Miles Extension Irrigation Engineer Colorado State University For Presentation at the Great Plains Council Groundwater Management Seminar Denver, Colorado April 17 - 19, 1974 The normal flow of the Arkansas River varies greatly from year to year. Timing of flows during the year does not match the water requirements. Storage of water from periods of relative surplus for use during times of shortage could greatly increase the benefits from the limited water supply. The alluvial aquifer of the Arkansas Valley has considerable potential as a storage reservoir if the physical and legal problems of recharge and groundwater management are solved. Special artificial groundwater recharge projects are of very limited importance in the Arkansas Valley. However, a great amount of re- charge takes place accidently (and sometimes on purpose) as a result of irrigation with surface water. Integrated management of surface water and groundwater including appropriate additional artificial recharge could permit effective use of the aquifer as a reservoir. To adequately understand the problems and the opportunities involved, it is desirable to review the background of the present conditions. Surface water and groundwater in the Arkansas Valley are and always have been part of the same system. However, they have been much more closely related since irrigation diversions began. Irrigation filled the groundwater reservoir, and in turn, groundwater made the river. Before irrigation began, spring runoff ran quickly through the river system on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Except in and near the mountains, the river often dried up between heavy rains. The water table generally remained at or below the level of the river bed. CROSS-SECTION OF VALLEY BEFORE IRRIGATION '8l0<-. A