WSPC12833

• File Number: 8103
• Description: Preliminary Report on Water Legislation Investigation for the Arkansas River Basin
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Date: 12/1/1967
• Author: Coordinator of Natural Resources
• Title: Preliminary Report on Water Legislation Investigations for the Arkansas River Basin
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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iNTRODUCTION

The Coordinator of Natural Resources directed the joint

venture to:

1. Undertake investigations in the Arkansas River
Basin in conformity with the statutory direction
contained in S. B. 407.

2. Review existing water laws in accordance with
the statutory direction contained in S. B. 407.

3. Study the operations and decrees of individual
ditch systems with a view of formulating plans
for integrating the ground and surface water
uses under said ditch systems within the framework
of the priority system as set forth in the Con-
stitution.

4. Coordinate our activities with the Coordinator
of Natural Resources and through the offices of
the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

S. Render a written prel iminary report on our findings,
conclusions and recommendations not later than
January 1, 1968.

A contract was entered into as of August 1, 1967, between
the Coordinator of Natural Resources and the firms of W. W. Wheeler
and Associates and Woodward-Clyde-Sherard and Associates, a joint
venture, to undertake investigations and research in the Arkansas
River Basin of the state in accordance with the statutory direction
contained in Senate Bill No. 407, 46th general assembly. To date,
these investigations have included a review of all known data relating
to the problem, field investigations, conferences with farmers, state
and federal agencies and lay personnel familiar with the water re-
sources in the Arkansas River Basin. It is the purpose of this report
to set forth the findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding
these investigations succinctly.

Mr. John W. Patterson of Woodward-Clyde-Sherard and Associates
and W. W. Wheeler, former employees of the Office of the State Engineer,
have had extensive experience in administration of water in the