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the six canal spillways. As of the fall 1993, 34 of the 74 laterals have been placed in pipe. Over the next 5 to 7 years the remainder of the laterals are scheduled to be placed in pipe further limiting the open lateral options. Potential Water Management In order to manage water more efficiently, it is necessary to make canal adjustments quickly to meet demand and maintain canal water surface elevation with a reduced flow of water in the canal. To meet the ability for quick response, in-system storage and canal automation are being evaluated; and to maintain water surface elevation, additional checks are proposed. The amount of water which could be conserved through these efforts has not been estab- lished. As part of the study, the current system is being modelled and then modelled system improvements will be evaluated. Benefits of Water Mans eg ment Benefits of increased system efficiency are in three general areas: the water users within the GVWUA system, other water users who divert from the Colorado River or one of its tributaries, and finally the endangered fish. There is a down side for those who have historically relied on lateral and administrative spill releases for a water supply. Within the State water law these users are entitled to the water only if it is there. There is no legal obligation to continue administrative spills. Benefits to GVWUA Water Users: The GVWUA water users should experi- ence fewer periods when it is necessary to pro-rate the available supply to their water users. When the demands exceed the system capacity, water users lower in the system sometimes experience temporary shortages. With en- hanced management and off-channel storage, it may be possible to meet these short-term demands more effectively. If water conserved by enhanced water management can be redirected through the Colorado River siphon, more power and more revenues can be generated. The GVWUA would benefit from having the Middle Government Highline Canal improved as part of the Grand Valley Water Management efforts. This section of canal is the only portion not included in the Salinity Control Pro- gram. As the State's administration of the Colorado River intensifies, administrative spills may be more closely scrutinized. Although the GVWUA system has progressed beyond "prevailing methods" due largely to the Salinity Controi Program, these improvements would demonstrate GVWUA's diligence in