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affected and interested parties in the preparation and review of the report. The study is currently progressing with a final report due in December, 1997. The study includes the following components: • An inventory of surface water and groundwater resources in the South Platte River Basin; • The effect of existing efficiencies and conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater resources on future supply and on local and regional existing water rights above the Henderson gauge; • The effect of existing water reuse on future supply and on existing water rights; • A review of distribution system infrastructure in the Denver metro area to identify ways to promote maximum utilization of the water resources available to the South Platte Basin above the Henderson gauge; • The effect on existing water rights of current recharge technology and practices in Denver Basin aquifers; • The impact of de minimus standards for injury based upon an annual depletion standard; • The effect of the four percent replacement and the two percent relinquishment requirements of current law on future water supplies and on existing water rights and the need for placement of post pumping depletion resulting from withdrawal of Denver Basin groundwater; • Use of nontributary groundwater and its long -term impact on water rights; and • An assessment of (1) the need for and scope of participation, including financial participation, by the State of Colorado in processes associated with the implementation of the federal ESA with respect to the exercise of water rights associated with water resources and the South Platte River Basin and Denver Basin; (2) opportunities for the application of local and regional water use efficiency and reuse technologies and methods, in conjunction with additional water supply sources, to enhance the reliability and yield of water rights associated with the water resources of the South Platte River Basin and Denver Basin; and (3) surface and groundwater development in the lower South Platte River in accordance with the South Platte River Compact. In addition the study will investigate, at the request of the Committee, the increase in runoff from impervious surfaces due to urbanization. Metro Water Supply Investigation & Next Steps. The Metropolitan Water Supply Investigation (MWSI) was initiated in 1993. It envisioned a cooperative analysis of water supply opportunities for meeting the needs of growing metropolitan communities along the Front Range without diverting additional supplies from other basins. A stakeholder group redrafted the initial scope of work and that effort reviewed through a series of public meetings. The study goals support the long range plans of both the CWCB and the State Engineer that call for extending the decision support system that was developed for the Colorado River basin (CRDSS) into the opportunities for "systems integration." The other three components identified in the scope of work (i.e., conjunctive use of surface and ground water supplies, effluent treatment and reuse, and interruptible supply agreements with municipal water suppliers) have almost been completed, and we expect to have a final report early in 1998.x-„ At this point, many of the metro area water suppliers are expressing a desire to keep the DNR, CWCB and SEO involved in the discussion concerning specific, regional opportunities to expand the available water supplies. The Douglas County Water Authority has developed a proposed project that depends, in part, on participation by Denver Water. The communities in the northeast and northwest quadrants of the metro area are also considering potential projects. Denver Water, Douglas County Water Authority, and other water user organizations have asked that we use the remaining funds appropriated in HB 93 -1273 (approximately $420,000 of the $450,000 authorization was included in the original contract) in combination with funding the water users C; \msoffice \win word \document \basi nissues December 30, 1997 Page 16 of 19