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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I INTRODUCTION On behalf of the City of Durango (City), W. W. Wheeler and Associates, Inc. has performed a hydrology study of a proposed recreational in-channel diversion (RICD) water right for the City's Boating Park. Our study evaluated the streamflow available for appropriation at the Boating Park, the potential impact on other water rights, and Colorado's ability to fully develop its entitlement under the Upper Colorado River Compact. Calculations were performed to address the statutory factors considered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and the Water Court in their evaluations of RICD water rights applications. RICD Rules When adjudicating RICD applications, the Water Court must consider five factors, as listed below: 1) Whether the adjudication and administration of the RICD, in the amounts claimed, would impair the ability of Colorado to fully develop and place to consumptive beneficial use its compact entitlements. 2) Whether the RICD appropriation is for an appropriate reach of stream for the intended use. 3) Whether there is access for recreational in-channel use. 4) Whether the exercise of the RICD would cause material injury to existing instream flow water rights. 5) Whether the adjudication and administration of the RICD, in the amounts claimed, would promote maximum utilization of the waters of the State. The CWCB currently has the statutory authority to review all RICD applications and submit its recommendations to the Water Court prior to the entry of any decree. Under this authority, the CWCB has developed rules listing the procedures followed and the information considered during the CWCB review process. The City's RICD application will be subject to the most recent CWCB Rules (November 2005), included in Appendix A. 1