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Return Flows <br />Return flows within District are utilized by the Commissioners to help them administer water <br />supply. The amounts of returns are closely monitored such that native water can most efficiently <br />be provided to water users. There are portions of the both the Alamosa River and La Jara Creek <br />the Commissioners count on the accrual of return flows to meet certain water right priorities. <br />As discussed above, return flows are often picked up by the numerous drain systems that have <br />been constructed. While some of these drains were originally constructed to eliminate unwanted <br />excess water, others are commonly used as a supplemental supply and have been decreed as such. <br />River Gains and Losses <br />District 21 Commissioners have observed significant losses on the Alamosa River, although the <br />amount of this loss appears to be a function of river stage. The Commissioners have estimated <br />losses up to 29 percent between Terrace Reservoir and Capulin in the early parts of the year. <br />During these periods, the high losses are attributed to increased bank storage and losses to the <br />aquifer, primarily associated with water storage in Terrace Reservoir. Losses in La Jara Creek <br />can also be high along its upper reaches, and primarily during the later winter and early spring. <br />Both the Alamosa River and La Jara Creek experience significant gains throughout their lower <br />reaches, which include a substantial amount of irrigation return flow. <br />A 10 percent transportation loss is charged for releases of reservoir water for downstream use. <br />Comments and Concerns <br />None <br />Attachments <br />1. Straight Line Diagram <br />2. List of Direct Flow Structures and Storage Structures <br />3. Water Right Call Sheet for District 21 <br />C:Acdss\D21_Mem.doc District 21 InterviewJuly 2, 1999 -Page 8 of 8 <br />