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Use of Groundwater <br />None of the Company share owners use groundwater as an irrigation supply. <br />Cropping Within the Service Area <br />The principal crops irrigated under the Excelsior Canal include: <br />• pasture <br />• alfalfa <br />Pasture grass is grown primarily in the upper half of the Canal system. Alfalfa is more prevalent <br />in the lower half of the system. This cropping distribution works well because of differences in <br />water demand patterns. <br />Irrigation Techniques <br />The principal method of irrigation under the Excelsior Canal is flood irrigation. There are <br />currently no sprinkler systems in use. Subirrigation is practiced in portions of the Company's <br />service area. <br />System Gains and Losses <br />Losses from the Excelsior Canal system fluctuate over the irrigation season. During dry periods <br />and early in the season, losses can be as high as 30 percent between the river headgate and the <br />lower end. Losses typically decrease to between 5 and 10 percent over the summer. Loss rates <br />have apparently increased over time in response to lower water table elevations, which are <br />commonly about 9 feet as opposed to about 2 feet historically. <br />Return Flows <br />Return flows from water use by the Excelsior Canal accrues to the Rio Grande. Although located <br />on the north side of the Rio Grande, none of the lands in the Company's service area are within <br />the Closed Basin. <br />The original channel of the Excelsior Canal extended all the way to Rio Grande, although there is <br />not longer a distinct return point. There is very little, if any, tail water out the end of the system. <br />Returns flow to the Rio Grande above the City of Alamosa from the Centennial Ditch and <br />Excelsior Canal are between 40 and 60 cfs. <br />Interaction with District 20 Commissioners <br />The Company communicates with District 20 Commissioners on a daily basis. Phone <br />calls are made to the District 20 early each morning to learn about River flow conditions, <br />availability and the last priorities served. The ditch rider then adjusts the river diversion <br />headgate to the appropriate level. <br />Interaction with Company Share Owners <br />The high seniority of the Company's water rights provide sufficient supply such that share <br />owners almost never water short. The share owners actively work together to ensure that water is <br />C:Acdss\EXCanal.doc Excelsior Canal Company Interview July 16, 1999- Page 4 of 5 <br />