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Direct Flow Storage: As decreed in Case No. W-3980, the District may store water under <br />direct flow water rights in either Santa Maria Reservoir, Continental Reservoir or Rio <br />Grande Reservoir. This decree also formally recognized the practice of aquifer recharge <br />as a beneficial use. Historical practices of the District related to the direct flow storage <br />decree is discussed below under the section titled Use of Storage Water. <br />Winter Recharge: As decreed in Case No. 79CW091, the District may divert water under <br />direct flow water rights during the winter months for the purpose of recharging the <br />unconfined aquifer lying within its service area. Historical practices of the District related <br />to recharge is discussed below. <br />Exchange Decree: As decreed in Case No. 92CW042, the District may exchange water <br />between Rio Grande Reservoir and Santa Maria Reservoir. <br />Drainage Water Rights <br />The District owns two decreed drainage or seepage water rights as follows: <br />Farmers Union Seepage Ditch, decreed for 65.00 cfs <br />San Luis Seepage Ditch, decreed for 60.00 cfs <br />Diversion Structures <br />The diversion structure for the Farmers Union Canal is located on the Rio Grande in Section 36, <br />Township 40 North, Range 6 East. The diversion structure consists of a concrete diversion dam, <br />a waste gate, one radial arm waste gate, and 3 radial arm headgates. <br />Water Measurement <br />The diversion structure of the Farmers Union Canal is equipped with a concrete rated section <br />annd F-type recording device and a satellite communication system. In addition, all major <br />laterals and every individual headgate has a measuring device. Five of the main laterals on the <br />system are fitted with E-type recorders. <br />Geographic Location and Size of Service Area <br />The service area of the District is located to the north of the Rio Grande River extending into <br />Saguache County. There are approximately 62,000 acres irrigated under the system, almost all of <br />which is within the Closed Basin. <br />Laterals <br />The District delivers water through 162 miles of canal and laterals. No portion of the Canal or <br />laterals is lined. Water is delivered through nine major laterals and several minor laterals. The <br />nine major laterals within the system include: <br />• South Lateral <br />• Hiline Lateral <br />• Eubanks Lateral <br />• Central Lateral <br />• Latera147 <br />C:Acdss\SLVDist.doc San Luis Valley Irrigation District Interview June 22, 1999 -Page 3 of 7 <br />