9369

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9369
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: 12th & 13th Annual Colorado Water Workshop.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Western State College of Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

FINAL DRAFT
2502 W. COLORADO AVENUE, SUITE 201 Phone: [phone]
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80904 619-352-5888
WATER BANKING (STORAGE) PLAN
How to reasonably and beneficially use water rights; establish more efficient
use of water, and set out a practicable, affordable, socially responsible, and
politically sensitive position.
A leadership role by Imperial Irrigation District (IID) to store surplus and
conserved water in Imperial valley could create substantial political alliances
utilizing priority conjunctive storage and water exchange agreements. Our
liability would be clearly spelled out.
Essentially, Imperial Irrigation District has priority water, in surplus and
will create more water through conservation. To bank this water (store it) is
to reasonably and benefically use it, which maintains control by IID and still
maximizes the benefit to society. A WIN WIN situation. To maintain a strong
position we must interface with large institutions who wiTT either:
A. Take water at lowest cost--coercion; - Hardball
B. Deal with us in a sophisticated and responsible way - Negotiation
It is up to IID to. create an environment where Option 6 will be chosen.
California state water laws very- clearly establish the right to conserve and
market water. Federal agencies respect state laws when there is no conflict.
Current All-American Canal challenge could change this substantially.
The IID has a unique opportunity to store water in Imperial County and other
locations. This banked water creates the ability to offer other water users a
"water account in the bank." This would be used for drought insurance and other
emergencies.
CONCEPT: Store water in surplus for dry years. Who would argue with that?
WHERE: East Mesa and other surface locations.