17G

• Board Meeting Date: 11/18/2007
• Description: CF Section – Bundled Non-Reimbursable Investments – Evaluation of Non-Tributary Groundwater Resources in the Colorado and Yampa-White River Basins
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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available non-tributary groundwater resources could help preserve aspects of the historic sustainable
economies of the region.
This study will evaluate potential non-tributary groundwater resources in the northwestern part of the state
where it is anticipated that water demands will increase dramatically due to energy development. It will
identify potential aquifers, provide approximate volumes ofnon-tributary groundwater available for
development, and identify critical data gaps needed to determine limits of groundwater usability
This topic has been identified as important information for water planning in the northwestern part of the
state by members of the Colorado and Yampa/White IBC Roundtables, particularly the Colorado River
Water Conservation District. The study will benefit water users and citizenry of the entire region.
Recommendation
As previously mentioned, the Colorado and Yampa/White IBC Roundtables are to conduct a study funded
through the WSRA to assess the water needs associated with anticipated energy development in the area.
Task 2.3 (Analysis of Increased Water Demand) in the scope for the WSRA study includes investigating
"supply options including both surface and ground water." Staff is concerned about potential overlap in
scopes of the CGS request and the proposed WSRA study.
Because of this possible overlap with the Colorado, White, and Yampa River Basins Energy Development
Water Needs Assessment funded through the WSRA, Staff at this time does not recommend approval of
the CGS request concerning Evaluation ofNon-Tributary Groundwater Resources in the Colorado and
Yampa-White River Basins.
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