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Flow conditions in the Rio Grande are such that the Rio Grande Canal is typically able to divert <br />approximately 380 cfs for much of the early irrigation season (through priority number 216-A). <br />Water Right Changes, Transfers and Agreements <br />There are two important legal actions that affect water supply and operations of the Association, <br />including: <br />Direct Flow Storage: As decreed in Case No. W-3979, the Association may store water <br />under some of its direct flow water rights in either Santa Maria Reservoir, Continental <br />Reservoir or Rio Grande Reservoir. This decree also formally recognized the practice of <br />aquifer recharge as a beneficial use. Recent practices of the Association related to the <br />direct flow storage decree is described in a memorandum discussing operations and <br />practices of the Santa Maria Reservoir Company. <br />Winter Recharge: As decreed in Case No. 79CW091, the Association may divert water <br />under some of its direct flow water rights during November and December when the <br />compact is satisfied for the purpose of recharging the unconfined aquifer lying within its <br />service area. Recent practices of the Association related to recharge is discussed below. <br />Drainage Water Rights <br />The Association does not own any decreed drainage or seepage water rights. <br />Diversion Structures <br />The primary diversion structure for the Rio Grande Canal is located on the Rio Grande River in <br />Section 25, Township 40 North, Range 6 East. Water can also be diverted into the Canal from <br />Carnero Creek and La Garita Creek (in District 27). Water diverted from sources other than the <br />Rio Grande typically occurs only during very wet periods and to assist in management of flood <br />conditions. <br />Capacity Problems <br />There are no problems or concerns related to diversion or carrying capacity of the Rio Grande <br />Canal. <br />Water Measurement <br />The diversion structure of the Rio Grande Canal is equipped with a rated section to measure flows <br />and a satellite communication system. In addition, all major laterals and every individual <br />headgate have a measuring device. <br />Geographic Location and Size of Service Area <br />The service area of the Association is located to the north of the Rio Grande River extending into <br />Saguache County. There are approximately 118,000 acres irrigated under the system, almost all <br />of which is within the Closed Basin. On average, there are about 10 shares of the Association <br />applied to each irrigated quarter section. <br />C:Acdss\RGCanal.doc Rio Grande Canal Water Users Association Interview June 13, 1999 -Page 3 of 7 <br />