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<br />The data loggers allow near real time accounting to occur for augmentation of wells and diversions. <br />This is extremely critic al in the case of augmentation as real time information is necessary to <br />determine recharge and direct flow credits to assure there is not an injury to senior water rights. <br /> <br />In summary, maximizing the use of existing supplies within the basin for decreed purposes with <br />existing infrastructure is the first step in meeting the future needs of users along the South Platte. The <br />increase in diversion and stream flow data on the web has improved administration because users and <br />DWR staff are immediately aware of any problems associated with diversion quantities. Extending <br />the near real time network helps assure there is not waste and allows all augmentation credits to be <br />accounted for in near real time. It also provides transparency concerning administration and helps <br />assure all users are “on a level playing field”. <br /> <br />Discussion : <br />Assisting in the funding of real - time data loggers and telemetry will facilitate the maximum use of <br />waters in the basin. Namely, this technology will allow for the optimization of the re source, <br />streamlining the record keeping process, providing for more precise and accurate records and <br />providing for a more transparent environment where water users are able to verify when and how <br />much other water users are diverting. Considering the inten se competition of water in the South <br />Platte River, every effort should be made to encourage wise and efficient use of the resource and this <br />technology is a simple means to achieve that goal. <br /> <br />Being a request from the WSRA Basin Account, the applica nt must meet all four of the Threshold <br />Criteria of the WSRA Criteria and Guidelines provided below. <br /> <br /> <br />1. The water activity meets the eligibility requirements outlined in Part 2 of the Criteria and <br />Guidelines. <br /> <br />2. The water activity is consistent with Section 37 - 75 - 102 Colorado Revised Statutes. <br />3 . The water activity underwent an evaluation and approval process and was approved by the <br />Basin Roundtable (BRT) and the application includes a description of the results of the BRT’s <br />evaluation and approval of the activ ity. At a minimum, the description must include the level of <br />agreement reached by the roundtable, including any minority opinion(s) if there was not general <br />agreement for the activity. The description must also include reasons why general agreement <br />was not reached (if it was not), including who opposed the activity and why they opposed it. <br />Note - If this information is included in the letter from the roundtable chair simply reference that <br />letter. <br /> <br />4. The water activity meets the provisions of Section 37 - 75 - 104( 2)(c), Colorado Revised Statutes. <br /> <br />After a thorough review of the application, staff believes that all of the Threshold Criteria have been <br />adequately meet. The applicants are qualified governmental entities and have received unanimous <br />approval by the Sout h Platte Basin Roundtable. Staff agrees that the project is consistent with 37 - <br />75 - 102 CRS and in fact will provide benefits to all existing water right holders in the basin. The <br />SWSI Report identified many critical issues associated with the South Platt e River including the full <br />utilization of existing rights by the year 2030, increased use of sprinklers and resultant decrease in <br />return flows and a probable increase in winter calls. Due to this and similar issues identified by the <br />South Platte BRT, staf f also believes that this application is in agreement with 37 - 75 - 104(2)(c) CRS. <br /> <br /> <br /> - 2 - <br />