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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Canal diversions I~ere reduced by about 20 percent. These two canals
were selected for this type of study as they have junior operating de-
crees and because they supply approximately 40 percent of the irrigated
land between Pueblo and the State LIne. There are about 3l0,OOO acres
of irrigated land within this stretch of the river.

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The consllmptive use of water diverted is also of extreme
importance in any study. This was investigated and three different
values for the consumptive use of irrigation water were found In the
basic data obtained from state and federal sources. These variations
were caused by the use of different cropping patterns requiring
different amounts of water.

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Another vital element which must be included in any solution
of the water management problem in the Arkansas River Valley is
water qual ity. The reuse of water has resulted in its progressive
deterioration downstream. From Lamar to the State Line the salt content
is so high at times that crop yields have been reduced; consequently,
the need for additional water to maintain a reasonable salt balance
must not be overlooked. Any reduction in the flow at and below John
Martin Reservoir through better management of the water resources
above must be approached with caution and allowances made to compensate
for a change in the water qual ity.

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Concern was expressed by water users and governmental agencIes
that the present method of operating John MartIn Reservoir has resulted
in an inefficient use of the water stored therein in Colorado. Studies
were made of John Martin Reservoir releases and diversions and needs
by three of the largest Colorado canals below the res2rvoir. These
studies indicate that this concern is well founded and that better
management of this water should be incorporated in any basin plan of
water management.

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While there is little doubt that substantial benefits are
derived from winter irrigation; nevertheless, it is recognized that

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