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progressive water management and likely prevent any possible river adminis- tration confrontation. Benefits to Other Colorado River Water Users: The water rights, diverted at the Government Highline Diversion Dam, are relatively senior on the Colora- do River within Colorado. Consequently, under the priority system, these rights can block upstream junior water users from diverting water from the river. If the amount of water which was needed to fulfill the demand of Grand Valley water users could be reduced, and the water is not used to meet flow need of the endangered fish, then the impact to upstream water users would be diminished. Some upstream junior water users enjoy the benefit of reservoir storage. When the Grand Valley Project would normally block these junior water users from diverting water, the junior users can request storage water. Again, by reducing Grand Valley water requirements, more water could be left in storage to further meet existing or future needs. Benefit to the Endangered Fish: The two benefits above are common reasons for more efficient water management. A unique benefit in the Grand Valley is related to the location of where administrative spills return to the Colorado River. As mentioned above, the laterals in the East End are not operated by the GVWUA. Consequently, these laterals are not used for administrative spills. In addition, the first spillway on the Government Highline Canal is located at Indian Wash which flows into the Colorado River at the downstream end of the 15-Mile Reach. Therefore, administrative spills at Indian Wash would not benefit the flows in the 15-Mile Reach. However, if any excess water were simply left in the Colorado River rather than being diverted into the canal, the 15-Mile Reach would benefit. The 15-Mile Reach has been labeled as important habitat for two endangered fish species, the razorback sucker and the Colorado Squawfish. Desired flows in this reach have been identified for recovery of the endangered fish. After spring runoff the flows in the reach frequently fall below the target flows. Reoperation of the Grand Valley Project could then help maintain desired flows in the 15-Mile Reach. HURDLES TO SUCCESS Technical The technical portion of the hurdles to success, that is, what improvements should be made to the irrigation system and the new operational strategy, is the most achievable. Since most of the canal and lateral system either has