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3) Suggestions for improving the system of water rights adjudication and administration. The task force agreed to start with discussion of the options in category 1. a) Pursue voluntary agreements with downstream reservoirs (e.g., “Gentlemen’s Agreement”). Points that were made during discussion include that these agreements alter return flows to the lower river; some agreements are in place; can it be accomplished without going to court; and impacts if the agreement does not work. b) Allow aggregated, deferred replacement of well depletions during the non-irrigation season – this depends on the ability of the State Engineer to make a reliable determination that reservoirs are likely to fill in the upcoming season. Points that were made during discussion include current litigation over the State Engineer’s authority; discretionary power; potential damage to senior water rights if the deferred plan does not work; what other states are doing; maximum beneficial use; and that delayed returns would still be subject to adjudication. c) Storage: i) Construction of more recharge pits/ponds; ii) Better use of alluvial aquifer storage (use of alternate points of diversion, recharge wells and augmentation wells); iii) Financial assistance for storage projects and augmentation/recharge projects; iv) Financial assistance for upgrading and reconstructing storage diversion structures and feeder canals to allow reservoirs to fill sooner and allow senior call to come off. Points that were made during discussion include financial assistance; better management of what is in place; banking systems for the aquifer; where the water will come from and if it can be relied on for a continuing basis; expansion of the statutes to include underground storage; the creation of a South Platte Water Conservation Board; short vs. long-term options; authority of State Engineer to administer; relying on water banking for pumping depletions and augmentation plans; inability to know when the water hits the river; crediting of water transferred from ag to municipal use; and use when the river is free. d) Amnesty on replacement obligations for depletions resulting from pre-1974 pumping (requires statutory change). Points that were made during discussion include that litigation has made an un- level playing field; the number of acre feet of depletions; forgiveness of the pre- 1974 debt for all wells and the equality; and public policy decisions. The next meeting of the South Platte River Basin Task Force is set for August 13, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 0112 of the State Capitol. The task force will receive presentations on improving water yield through forest thinning, a review of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, and continue with discussion on the “Options for Consideration” document.