Southwest - La Plata West Rural Domestic Water Supply_Basin Application

Home Browse Search

. Sustainablv meet M&/ demands The water supply system will bring access to a new M&I water supply source, the Animas La Plata project. The infrastructure for the project will allow access to this resource for several different M&I interests. . Sustainablv meet aaricultural demands Although the water supply system cannot be used for agricultural purposes, it will in effect decreases competition for limited water supply in the La Plata River basin and reduce conflict with irrigators by importing a new domestic water supply by decreasing groundwater demands and increasing groundwater recharge. . Ootimize existina and future water suoolies The proposed water supply system is an optimal use of the newly developed ALP water source. The ALP waters have been allocated and will be stored in Lake Nighthorse, creating a reasonably secure future supply. . Enhance Recreational Oooortunities None . Provide for Environmental Enhancements The return flows from the water that is imported to the La Plata River basin will contribute to shallow groundwater and base flows in the River. This will benefit the riparian corridor and the important habitat therein. . Promote Cost Effectiveness The shared use of the backbone infrastructure for the water supply system is the most cost- effective way to develop this single resource for several parties. All vested parties will share cost on system construction and ongoing operations and maintenance. . Protect Cultural Values Southwestern La Plata County has a long heritage of agriculture which is being threatened by increasing demands on irrigation waters. By creating a new domestic water supply, the project will reduce stress on the agricultural resources and aquifers . Provide for Ooerational Flexibilitv The system design will meet initial needs and parameters based on engineering studies and demand estimates. The system also will have the ability to increase capacity to meet projected future demands; this includes increased capacity of the water supply structure, pumps, water treatment plant and distribution lines. . Comolv with all aoolicable laws, reaulations and water riahts The source for the proposed system, the Animas La Plata project, has fully decreed water rights. By using this source, there will be no impacts to rights of other water users in the project area. The proposed water supply structure likely will be in an area either within or similar to the area permitted by the ALP project. Therefore, the proposed water supply structure is not expected to have any significant impacts and will meet all permitting requirements. All structures will be built according to regulations for environmental protection and public safety.