S11_11-15-04

• Basin: Statewide
• Title: SWSI Phase 1 Report - Section 11 Implementation
• Date: 11/15/2004
• Author: CWCB
• SWSI - Doc Type: Final Report

Section 11
Implementation
11.2.2.4 Gunnison Basin
^ Growth in the headwaters will require additional water
management strategies.
^ Addressing agricultural water shortages in the upper
portion of the basin is an important goal of the
community; lack of financial resources is an
impediment.
^ There is concern over possible future transbasin
diversions and the effect this might have on the
basin's future.
^ Resolving federal issues is a priority. Federal issues
include: resolving the National Park Service claims for
flows in the Black Canyon, completion of the Blue
Mesa/Aspinall reoperations EIS, and addressing
Endangered Species issues in the Gunnison River
near the confluence with the Colorado River main
stem.
^ The area between Ouray and Montrose is rapidly
growing. Tourism is important in the headwater but
agriculture is dominant in the Uncompahgre Valley. A
rapid influx of retirees and growth in the
Uncompahgre Valley may dramatically change the
agricultural uses and land use in the area.
11.2.2.5 North Platte ~asin
^ One of Colorado's only basins with concern over lack
of growth and economic development.
^ There is a desire to ensure protection of existing
water supplies, and a concern over the impact of the
lack of forest management. It is important that
Endangered Species issues on the Platte River in
Central Nebraska are successfully resolved and in a
manner that does not put pressure on North Platte
water users to reduce existing uses.
^ The equitable apportionment decree quantifies the
amount of available water and lands that can be
irrigated.
11.2.2.6 Rio Grande Basin
^ The Rio Grande Compact and the effects of sustained
drought make new water development very difficult.
^ In the Rio Grande Valley, agricultural water use is at
unsustainable levels and economic impacts of
reducing irrigation use of groundwater supplies will be
difficult to address.
^ Groundwater is a key component of water use in the
basin.
11.2.2.7 South Platte Basin
^ Colorado's most diverse and industrialized basin.
Agriculture is still a dominant water use but rapid
changes are occurring and the impacts to rural
communities are a key concern.
^ Competition for water is fierce and it is unclear how
much competition there is for the same water
supplies.
^ The lack of any new major water storage in the last
20 years has led to reliance on non-renewable
groundwater in Douglas, Arapahoe, and northern EI
Paso (EI Paso County is in the Arkansas Basin)
Counties. Explosive growth in these counties coupled
with the lack of surface water supplies led to the
creation of multiple small water districts and makes
coordinated water development a challenge and less
efficient especially in light of limited renewable
surface water supplies.
^ Water reuse and conservation are major components
to meeting future water needs but this will put added
pressure on agriculture as return flows diminish.
^ The urban landscape is very important to the
economy and an important component to quality of
life.
^ Transfers of agricultural water rights to M&I use will
continue to be a significant option for meeting future
needs.
11.2.2.8 Yampa/White/Green Basin
^ Agriculture, tourism, and recreation are vital
components to this basin's economy.
^ Industrial uses, especially power production, are a
major water use. Future energy development is less
certain.
^ While rapidly growing in some areas (Yampa
River/Steamboat area) the basin is not developing as
rapidly as other portions of the state. This has led to
concern that the basin will not get a"fair share" of
water use afforded to Colorado under the Colorado
River Compact.
^ Implementation of a successful Endangered Species
Program is vital to ensuring protection of existing and
future water uses.
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$~ole'ri~ice Wo~e' $upplY Initia~ive
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