PIM.Alamosa.FINAL_11.10

• Basin: Rio Grande
• Title: Public Information Meeting - Alamosa
• Date: 9/3/2003
• SWSI - Doc Type: Summaries

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Statewide Water SuppJy Inifiatlve

Public Information Meeting Summary
Rio Grande River Basin
Alamosa, Colorado 9.3.03

Number in Attendance: 22

Representation: Agriculture, environmental, local governments

Themes and Ideas:

. The basin needs to imorove water management for the future: Given the limited
amount of water in the basin, the basin must have better management to meet
the basin's growing demand for water.

. The aauifer levels need to be recharged: Maintaining the water level in the
aquifer is vital for drought protection, water supplies, the fulfillment of the
compact requirements, wetlands and recreation. Water levels in the aquifer
affect all aspects of water supply and demand in the basin.

. More storage caoacitv is needed: Farmers are not getting enough water to
maintain their crops. Many farmers are being denied water because they have
more junior water rights and/or there is inadequate water storage. More reservoir
storage could help the farming community in the basin by improving water
supplies.

. Financial suooort is needed to enhance and orotect the water suoolv: Local
governments do not have the financial resources to fund water projects.

. Educate the oubHc about water issues: A public education campaign is needed to
make residents and recreational users aware of conservation and reuse
programs. This is especially important for newcomers to the area who are not
used to drought conditions.

. Solutions also need to address recreation and tourism in the basin: Tourism has
been negatively affected by the drought, impacting businesses and the economy.
Solutions that enhance the Rio Grande basin's water supply will help the tourism
industry, which is important within the basin.

GBSM, SWSI Public Information Meeting Summary, 11.10.03

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