RGDSS_Task4_RioGrandeCanal_Interview

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RGDSS Memorandum Final TO: Ray Bennett FROM: Ed Armbruster, Hydrosphere SUBJECT: RGDSS Surface Water, Task 4.7 -Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association Interview DATE: June 13, 1999 CC: Randy Seaholm Introduction This memorandum represents partial delivery (1 of 12 interviews) associated with Task 4.7, Ditch Operator Interviews /Prepare Summary Memoranda. The objective of this task is as follows: Meet with large and/or critical ditch companies in the San Luis Talley to discuss their facilities and operations. On March 11 and May 25th, 1999, interviews were conducted with Mr. Barry Nelson, superintendent of the Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association. The purpose of these interviews was to develop a better understanding of the Association's facilities and operations such that this information could be reflected in surface water modeling efforts associated with the Rio Grande Decision Support System (RGDSS). The following discussion summarizes information developed during these interviews. Ditch Company Structure and Organization The Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association (Association) is anon-profit agricultural mutual ditch company originally formed in the late 1890's. Their address and phone number are as follows: Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association P.O. Box 288 147 Washington Street Monte Vista, CO 81144 Telephone: 719-852-3556 Assets of the Association include numerous decreed water rights, and the Rio Grande Canal and associated diversion and water delivery facilities. Although a separate organization, many Association owners also own approximately 90 percent of the Santa Maria Reservoir Company (approximately 90 percent of the water owned by Santa Maria Reservoir Company is run through the Rio Grande Canal). C:Acdss\RGCanal.doc Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association Interview June 13, 1999 -Page 1 of 7