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Diversion Structures <br />The primary diversion structure for the Empire Canal is located on the Rio Grande River in <br />Section 33, Township 39 North, Range 8 East. In addition, water can also be diverted into the <br />Canal from the Alamosa River and La Jara Creek, both of which are in District 21. Water <br />diverted from sources other than the Rio Grande typically occurs during the early irrigation <br />season and during wet periods. <br />Capacity Problems <br />There are no problems or concerns related to diversion or carrying capacity of the Empire Canal <br />There is adequate canal capacity to divert the fu11512 cfs of decreed rights at the Rio Grande. <br />Actual canal capacity of the Empire has been estimated at 612 cfs. <br />Water Measurement <br />The diversion structure of the Empire Canal is equipped with a concrete weir and stilling well <br />measuring device and a satellite communication system. In addition, major laterals and <br />individual headgate have a measuring device, although the flat grade of the canal makes accurate <br />measurement somewhat difficult. Flows in the Canal are measured as it flows into and is <br />diverted out of the Alamosa River. <br />Approximately one-third of the water diverted by the Empire Canal is used on lands located to the <br />south of the Alamosa River (approximately one-third of the shares in the Company). Fourteen <br />shares are left in the Alamosa before water is rediverted into the Transfer Canal flowing to La <br />Jara Creek. Another sixteen shares are left in La Jara Creek before water is rediverted from La <br />Jara for deliveries further south. <br />Geographic Location and Size of Service Area <br />The service area of the Company is located to the south of the Rio Grande within Alamosa, Rio <br />Grande and Conejos counties. There are approximately 48,000 acres irrigated under the system, <br />although up to 58,000 acres have been irrigated in big water years. <br />Laterals <br />The Company delivers water through approximately 110 miles of canal and laterals. The main <br />canal is roughly 24 miles in length. There are several major lateral off of the main canal and the <br />majority of water is delivered through headgates off of these laterals. None of the canal and <br />lateral system is lined. Water deliveries are also made though several private headgates off of <br />the main canal. The primary laterals off of the main canal include: <br />Leyden Lateral 7.66 mi. <br />Loveland Lateral 8.00 mi. <br />Perry Lateral 1.33 mi. <br />Calkins Lateral 0.73 mi. <br />Brownlow Lateral 8.67 mi. <br />Government Lateral 2.67 mi. <br />Denver Colony Lateral 6.60 mi. <br />Sundquist Lateral 0.60 mi. <br />Heersink Lateral 2.73 mi. <br />C:Acdss\EMPCanal.doc Commonwealth Irrigation Co. Interview June 23, 1999 -Page 4 of 7 <br />