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compiled by the Commissioner, then provided directly to the Division 3 office for review and <br />incorporation into the State's diversion record database.. <br />Interstate Compact Administration <br />Colorado's Rio Grande Compact with New Mexico does not affect water rights administration <br />within District 27. <br />Swing ("calling") Rights <br />Because of the simplicity of the water rights District 27 and limited surface water supply, the <br />identification of "swing rights" was not necessary. <br />Interaction with Water Users <br />As previously described, Commissioner interaction with water users is frequent, and discussions <br />with owners of the larger ditch systems typically occur on a daily basis. These discussions often <br />address stream flow rates and diversion plans. <br />Irrigation Techniques in the District <br />Irrigation water use in District 27 is primarily sprinkler application from shallow wells with the <br />exception of flood irrigation on the creek alluvium near the foothills. <br />Cropping in the District <br />Cropping in District 27 consists primarily of either pasture, hay or alfalfa along the creek <br />bottoms, but lands under sprinklers are used to grow alfalfa, potatoes and grains. <br />Return Flows <br />Return flows within District 27, to the extent they exist, are not actively considered in water <br />rights administration by the Commissioner. <br />Many of the losses experienced by the streams, canals and ditches serve to recharge both the <br />confined and unconfined aquifers within the Closed Basin. Little, if any of these losses return to <br />the Rio Grande because of a natural hydrologic divide separating the Closed Basin from the <br />River. <br />River Gains and Losses <br />Canal water in the District has significant seepage losses or gains. This water is used by irrigators <br />to recharge shallow groundwater by diverting as much water as is available early in the season, <br />and then to rely entirely on shallow well pumping throughout the season. <br />Comments and Concerns <br />None <br />C:Acdss\D27 Mem.doc District 27 Interview July2, 1999 -Page 4 of 5 <br />