S2_11-15-04

• Basin: Statewide
• Title: SWSI Phase 1 Report - Section 2 Statewide Demographic, Economic, and Social Setting
• Date: 11/15/2004
• Author: CWCB
• SWSI - Doc Type: Final Report

Section 2
Statewide Demographic, Economic, and Social Setting
Table 2-21 Summarv of Water Manaqement Issues bv Basin from Public Information Meetinqs
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Arkansas La Junta ^ State needs to have long-term and drought emergency water plans
8/27/03 ^ Broad public involvement in SWSI advocated
^ Need to maintain water flows for recreation (rafting and fishing)
Colorado Springs . Conservation and landscape alteration cited as means to improve water supply
8/28/03 ^ Conjunctive use of groundwater/surface water
. Water quality is a concern
^ Agricultural water use efficiencies discussed
. Interruptible supply options discussed
^ Transfer of agricultural water rights could threaten local economy
^ Preserve ability to sell water rights
^ Need to obtain water from elsewhere - all water in basin appropriated
^ Additional / better storage needed
^ Look at other economic solutions for agriculture so less need for selling rights
^ Ex lore alternatives to sellin water ri hts - water banks and leasin
Pueblo ^ Proposed Arkansas Valley transfers could potentially make up some of the South Platte
9/7/04 Basin's deficit
. Water quality of transfers is important
^ The Upper Arkansas should not move water away from rural communities in the Lower
Arkansas
^ Outfitters on rivers want to see tourism become a major industry
^ Environmental enhancements and being proactive is much cheaper than being reactive
^ CWCB could assist in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process by helping
with involvement of interest groups
^ Water quality and salinity issues could be addressed by taking some lands out of
production
^ There are benefits from agriculture inefficiencies
^ Need to work more cooperatively and SWSI is a start
Colorado Glenwood Springs ^ The public must understand future implications of transbasin diversion
8/27/03 ^ Process for resolving conflicts is needed
^ Encourage basins to be self sufficient
^ Need for more storage capaciiy
. Important to understand water management assumptions
^ Educate Front Range that Western Slope water is not unlimited
^ Water management is vital for all basins
^ Growth is a concern
. Competing interests for water supply
Colorado (cont.) Glenwood Springs ^ Use it or lose it mentaliiy may result in inefficiencies - the measure of a water right is the
8/25/04 Consumptive Use not the amount diverted
^ In times of drought if you transfer the water on an interruptible basis this could have the
unintended consequence of reducing groundwater availability
^ Meeting Endangered Species and Compact commitrnents can be adversely impacted by
water reuse
. CWCB should develop some policies regarding water planning and operational plan
^ Look at smaller, local, off channel reservoirs
^ Multiple benefits - CWCB should make a strong recommendation in support of recreation,
enhancing flows and involving the public
^ SWSI onl ro~ected to 2030, but rowth will continue
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Statew~itle Water Supply Inii'iative
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