WSP12894

• File Number: 8483
• Description: SPDSS
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 1/1/2001
• Author: CWRRI
• Title: South Platte Mapping and Analysis Program ‎(SPMAP)‎ Decision Support Tools for the Lower South Platte
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

IV. Software Application and Use: South Platte Lower River Group, Inc. (SPLRG)

5.0 South Platte Lower River Group, Inc. (SPLRG)

SPLRG is a coalition of water organizations
(NCWCD, LSPWCD, GASP, and the Platte
River Project) and State of Colorado agencies
(CDOW, CWCB, and CDWR). SPLRG's focus
in the Lower South Platte River Basin in
Colorado is coordinating activities to maintain
adequate well augmentation, to develop
Colorado's Tamarack Plan as part ofa Platte
Basin ESA Program, and to address Colorado
species of concern issues.

The SDF View program is used to estimate
accretion amounts and timing to the South Platte
River resulting from managed groundwater
recharge activities. Accurately knowing these
amounts and the timing of when the flow
increases in the South Platte River due to
recharge is critical for effectively meeting
Colorado's obligations with the Tamarack Plan.
One of the purposes of the Tamarack Plan is to

6.0 City of Fort Collins (Fort Collins)

Fort Collins is using the SPMAP tools to
prepare for future water demands and supplies.

"I have had the opportunity to test the
SPMAP and Consumptive Use Models being
developed by the IDS group. Both models
contain data and functionality that can be
utilized by the Fort Collins Utilities and the
Water Resources Planning Department"
-- Paul Weiss, Water Resources Engineer,
Fort Collins Utilities

As municipal water supply organizations in
Northern Colorado prepare for future water
supply demands, one of the potential sources is
from irrigated agriculture. Only the consumptive
use (CD) of agricultural water can be purchased
for use in the cities' system. This requires the
estimation of CU on a small scale for the land
where the water purchase is being considered.
Paul Weiss has been invaluable in testing the
SPCU Model for this application.

increase stream flows in the Great Bend area of
Nebraska during critical periods for bird
migrations. Another goal is to provide rearing
habitat for threatened fish species in Colorado;
again groundwater recharge plays a crucial role
for maintaining habitat in these areas.

"The three modules developed with the IDS
Group are being used by organizations
involved in SPLRG and feedback is being
received on potential enhancements. "
-- Jon Altenhofen, Coordinator for SPLRG

Since SPLRG is involved in the Three-State
agreement between Colorado, Wyoming, and
Nebraska, the SDF View software was made
available for efforts to assist in the development
of managed groundwater recharge in all three
states to improve river flows for endangered
species.

"I have found the experience of working with
the IDS group to be quite favorable. They
have demonstrated a sincere effort in
addressing and incorporating the various
suggestions and recommendations I have
offered. On several occasions they have
taken time to demonstrate the full
functionality of these tools and instruct me in
their application. "
-- Paul Weiss, Water Resources Engineer,
Fort Collins Utilities

Improving the planning and use of water
resources in Northern Colorado is of interest to
Fort Collins due to the interrelated use of the
water supply.

"The extensive database and the model's
inherent flexibility make it ideal for the type
of decision making we are faced with. "
-- Paul Weiss, Water Resources Engineer,
Fort Collins Utilities

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Completion Report: South Platte Mapping and Analysis Program