Laserfiche WebLink
completed by the 1960s. The better producing wells in the Terrace area tend to be deeper (at last <br />500 feet). <br />The Company and its shareholders are not involved in intentional recharge efforts. <br />Cropping Within the Service Area <br />The principal crops irrigated under the Terrace system include: <br />• barley <br />• alfalfa <br />• wheat <br />Irrigation Techniques <br />The principal method of irrigation under the Terrace system is center pivot sprinkler. <br />Approximately 80 quarter-sections are irrigated using sprinklers. The first sprinklers were <br />installed under the Terrace system in about 1972, and most existing sprinklers were installed by <br />the late 1980's. There are also a few (approximately 3 or 4 quarter sections) that use flood <br />irrigation. Sprinkler systems rely both on groundwater and surface water, and use small <br />regulating ponds to control surface water deliveries from the canal system. Irrigation water is <br />typically applied over the period April 1 through the end of October, but can vary depending on <br />climatic conditions. <br />System Gains and Losses <br />The Company completed a major canal lining project in the early 1990s. This included concrete <br />lining of the entire lengths of the Terrace Main and Alamosa Creek canals. Prior to these efforts, <br />losses were estimated at approximately 60 percent of water diverted at the river headgates. <br />Currently, losses are probably less than 10 percent. <br />Return Flows <br />Subsurface return flows from irrigation under the Terrace system generally accrue the Rio Grande <br />below Alamosa, although one or more of several drain systems lying to the east likely intercept a <br />portion of the subsurface returns. There has not been tailwater out the end of the system since the <br />advent of sprinklers in the service area. <br />Interaction with District 21 Commissioner <br />The Company communicates with District 21 Commissioners on a daily basis. Phone calls are <br />made to the Commissioners early each morning to learn about River flow conditions, availability <br />and the last priorities served. The Superintendent then adjusts the river diversion headgates to the <br />appropriate level. The District 21 Commissioners also regularly monitor storage levels in <br />Terrace Reservoir. <br />Interaction with Company Share Owners <br />The Superintendent for the Company is responsible for communicating with share owners. The <br />Superintendent is kept informed of water requests and determines the amount of water to deliver <br />C:Acdss\Terrace.doc Terrace Irrigation Company Interview June 18, 1999 -Page 5 of 6 <br />