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development, and changing land use patterns. An initial review of Phase I data by Resource Engineering, <br />Inc. (RESOURCE) indicated that Missouri Heights ground water levels were not being significantly depleted <br />by increased water demand. Furthermore, the Study found that the aquifer’s water level was heavily <br />influenced by climatic patterns (dry, average, and wet years) and transbasin importation of irrigation water. <br />However, the Study also identified several limitations with the data and sampling methodology that <br />prevented drawing more detailed conclusions about Missouri Heights ground water behavior. Specifically, <br />the sampling frequency overlooked short term fluctuations (i.e. fluctuations on a daily or weekly basis). The <br />behavior at the spring sites was highly erratic and could only be used as a proxy for ground water levels. <br />Climatic data was calculated using a climate model and regionally available weather station data, not site <br />specific data. Finally, the spatial distribution of the well sites was insufficient to facilitate conclusions about <br />regional aquifer health. <br /> <br />This grant request is being submitted for assistance with Phase II of the Missouri Heights Ground Water <br />Monitoring Program. Phase II of the Ground Water Monitoring Program is intended to address the <br />limitations of Phase I and provide a more detailed understanding of the influences of development on the <br />Missouri Heights aquifer. In order to accomplish this, the District plans to establish six monitoring well sites <br />equipped with continuous recording devices. Additionally, the District will install a remote precipitation <br />gage on Missouri Heights. Data will be collected at these sites for a period of five years. At the end of the <br />five year study period the data will be analyzed and summarized in a report by RESOURCE. This report <br />will provide a valuable tool for a number of public and private entities in the Roaring Fork Valley. <br />Specifically, the report will accomplish the following: <br /> <br />? <br /> <br />Help the District assess its ability to adequately augment water allotment contract holders on <br />Missouri Heights. <br />? <br /> <br />Assist the Division of Water Resources in administering and protecting vested water rights on <br />or influenced by Missouri Heights, including Colorado Water Conservation Board’s instream <br />flow water rights on the Roaring Fork River. <br />? <br /> <br />The report will be made available to the Missouri Heights Well Users Association and other <br />private well owners. It will facilitate planning for future development and water use on <br />Missouri Heights. <br /> <br />Grant funding is being requested from the Colorado Basin Account in the amount of $25,000. The District <br />would provide $25,000 in matching funds (50%) towards the total project cost of $50,000. <br /> <br />Discussion: <br />The Colorado Roundtable has identified water supply shortages and the need for domestic well augmentation <br />in the rapid growing headwaters areas as one of their key issues. Phase II of the Ground Water Monitoring <br />Program will provide information needed by the District to address these issues in the Missouri Heights area. <br /> <br />This study will assess the physical availability of water in the Missouri Heights aquifer, and it will evaluate <br />the ability of the aquifer to sustain continued groundwater development. The final product will provide a <br />sound technical basis for evaluating how new appropriations may influence vested, senior water rights. <br /> <br />Issues/Additional Needs: <br /> <br />The application does not explicitly address the Threshold Criteria. It is clear from different parts of the <br />application that all 4 threshold criteria are met. However, it would be helpful to have an explicit articulation <br />from the applicant. <br /> <br /> 2 <br /> <br />