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Cropping Within the Service Area <br />The principal crops irrigated under the San Luis Valley Canal include: <br />• potatoes <br />• barley <br />• wheat <br />• carrots <br />• alfalfa <br />• pasture <br />Irrigation Techniques <br />Irrigation under the San Luis Valley Canal using primarily flood irrigation and sprinkler systems <br />Sprinkler systems are most common in the northern portion of the Company's service area. <br />Sprinkler systems can typically be supplied from both groundwater and surface water, and many <br />of the center pivots can be interchangeably operated using both groundwater and surface water. <br />Flood irrigation is most commonly accomplished using surface water but some farmers <br />supplement with groundwater supplies. Subirrigation is practiced in portions of the service area. <br />System Gains and Losses <br />Losses in the San Luis Valley Canal system are a function of season and flows. In the early <br />irrigation season, losses average about 45 percent. Losses then decline to approximately 35 <br />percent after about six weeks. Losses are apparently related to local groundwater elevations, <br />which can fluctuate dramatically in response to climate. <br />There are no significant gains to the San Luis Valley Canal along its course, although extreme <br />rainfall events may result in minor accretions. In addition the Canal does experience minor <br />accretions from the Blackmoore Slough. <br />Return Flows <br />Lands irrigated under the Hooper, Streeter and Central laterals lie within the Closed Basin, and <br />returns from irrigation of these lands do not reach the Rio Grande. Returns from the South <br />Lateral accrue to Rio Grande in the area of the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. <br />Interaction with District 20 Commissioner <br />The Company communicates with the District 20 Water Commissioner on a daily basis. Phone <br />calls are made to the Commissioners early each morning to learn about river flow conditions, <br />availability and the last priorities served. The Company then informs their ditch rider who adjusts <br />the river diversion headgates to the appropriate levels. <br />Interaction with Company Share Owners <br />The Ditch Rider for the Company is responsible for communicating with share owners and works <br />with owners in the delivery rotation process. The Ditch Rider is responsible for adjusting <br />individual turnouts to farmers along the conveyance system. <br />Attachments <br />C:Acdss\SLVCanal.doc San Luis Valley Canal Company Interview July 16, 1999 -Page 5 of 5 <br />