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Colorado is constantly evaluating management of its water resources in response to population and <br />demand growth, droughts and reductions in federal water programs funding. Management and more <br />efficient use of existing supplies is receiving greater attention by both water users and state agencies. <br />Water management issues include: <br />Interstate Compact Issues <br />Water Resource Planning Issues <br />Water Resource Administration Issues <br />~r ?'Ian! r" rl r~-#I <br />• Interstate ~ <br />~4iTipact Analyses ~~ ~ <br />mater Resource <br />P1 arming ;~~ ,~1~-~,.-"r. <br />_ i <br /> <br /> <br />• aterRights ~~,i ,? <br />Adrrunistrata on y <br />Interstate Compact Issues <br />Demands for water by the Lower Basin States, beyond their compact apportionment, pose management <br />challenges throughout the Basin. These demands place an additional burden on an already over- <br />appropriated system. A severe sustained drought could impact Upper Basin uses, and cause curtailment <br />of Upper Basin uses in order to meet compact delivery obligations. In response to these pressures, the <br />State of Colorado through the Colorado Water Conservation Board continues to protect its compact <br />entitlements and avoid costly and devisive litigation. River and reservoir operating policy modifications <br />can be evaluated to minimize local impacts, shortages and reduce interstate compact conflicts. <br />Water Resources Planning Issues <br />A variety of planning issues arise from increased water demands and environmental protection <br />requirements. Cities are buying more agricultural water rights from farmers and from more distant areas. <br />Endangered fish are being studied to determine flow conditions necessary to protect and recover the <br />species. Water development proposals and water rights transfers need to be reviewed to avoid adverse <br />impacts to established water rights and to support loan authorizations for various projects. International <br />conditions could lead to another rush to develop Colorado's energy resources, and an increase in water <br />demands to support such development. In each case state agencies and water users would review water <br />transfers and instream flow proposals, and in collaboration with the interested parties, seek to identify and <br />resolve conflicts. <br />