17b

• Board Meeting Date: 11/14/2007
• Description: CF Section – Bundled Non-Reimbursable Investments - USGS Denver Basin Pumping Optimization Modeling
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

STATE OF COLORADO
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Sheet. Room 721
Dem~er, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
v`uu . ccvcU. state. co.us
Bill Rittc-,. 3r.
Governor
TO: Colorado Water Conservation Board Members
Harris D. Sherman
DNR Executive Director
FROM: Andy Moore, Water Information Group
Dan McAuliffe
Acting CWCB Director
DATE: November 1, 2007
SUBJECT: Agenda Item 17b, November 14-15, 2007 Board Meeting
Non-Reimbursable Investments -USGS Denver Basin Pumping-
Optimization Modeling
Introduction
This request is for funding for the USGS to perform Denver Basin Pumping-Optimization
modeling. For FY 07-08, an appropriation of $83,200 is being sought from the Construction
Fund to perform the study. Total study cost is $128,000, with $44,800 in matching funds from
the USGS.
Discussion
The USGS has recently completed calibrating athree-dimensional ground-water flow model of
the Denver Basin aquifer system in cooperation with the CWCB and the CDWR. This proposed
project would use the Denver Basin model to demonstrate asimulation-optimization approach to
ground-water management. Optimization modeling consists of using aground-water flow model
to optimize pumping locations and rates with respect to model-computed water-level declines
and storage depletion. The goal of optimization modeling is to develop pumping scenarios that
minimize water-level declines to extend the useful life of aquifers such as the Denver Basin.
Pumping scenarios would be developed cooperatively with the CWCB and other local agencies,
and results would be reported in a USGS Scientific Investigations Report.
The proposed project will serve as demonstration of how pumping in the Denver Basin can be
managed to increase the useful life of bedrock aquifers. The study is of statewide interest to a
wide range of people and organizations involved in statewide and regional water planning and
management as well as to ordinary citizens. These organizations include CWCB, selected Basin
Roundtables, the South Metro Water Supply Study Board, and Denver metropolitan
municipalities. The total study cost is estimated to be $128,000. The USGS expects to contribute
approximately $44,800 in matching funds to the CWCB requested funds in Federal fiscal years
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