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Irrigation Techniques in the District <br />The majority of irrigation in District 22 occurs using flood irrigation and flood border techniques <br />There are a few sprinkler systems (center pivots) in the District, and there may be a tendency <br />toward more in the future. The efficiency of the flood techniques that are used tend to be fairly <br />low, although to some degree the losses that are experienced serve to raise the water table, <br />thereby providing asub-irrigation supply. <br />Irrigated Acreage and Cropping in the District <br />Cropping in District 22 consists of a mix of field crops including alfalfa, potatoes, pasture hay <br />and small grains. Irrigated acreage information is provided by water users in the District on an <br />annual basis and this information is recorded in the State's database. <br />Return Flows <br />Return flows from irrigation in District 22 occur by way of both the surface and groundwater. <br />Throughout the District there are drainage wasteways that either return to the River or are picked <br />up by other ditch systems and reused. <br />Return flows from irrigation of some portions of the District are picked up by the drain systems <br />such as the Norton Drain. As described, these drains, while originally constructed to eliminate <br />unwanted excess water, are now commonly used as a supplemental supply and have been decreed <br />as such. <br />River Gains and Losses <br />Gains and losses to the Conejos River have been studied extensively through numerous seepage <br />runs conducted by Division 3. These studies are conducted by measuring all inflows and <br />outflows within a defined river reach. Amass balance for the reach then establishes natural gains <br />or losses to and from the river. The results of seepage studies are on file in the Division 3 office. <br />In general, these studies have shown that the Conejos tends to loose water between the Magote <br />gage and Highway 285, and gain back a portion of the loss between Highway 285 and La Sauces. <br />The Commissioners noted that McIntyre Springs contributes a significant amount of water to the <br />lower reach, although this amount has declined from an historical average of 10 to 15 cfs to its <br />present flow of about 8 cfs. Another inflow to this lower reach is Sego Springs, which flows at a <br />rate of approximately 1 cfs. <br />The Water Commissioners have found that their administration is more effective and accurate if <br />they use return flows in the lower reach of the Conejos to help meet Compact delivery <br />requirements, but not use return flow estimates to determine daily priority call. <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. Decree from Case No. 90CW047 (Closed Basin and Norton Drain exchange) <br />C:Acdss\D22_Mem.doc District 22 Interview July 2, 1999 -Page 8 of 9 <br />