Water News: Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District Volume 2 Issue 15

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{'k3 7X _T r;_.�.:1��'�z t �� &r �k � � _ _ F. V � O 1�. August 8 & 9, 2005-The South- eastern Colorado Water Conser- vancy District (SECWCD) in conjunction with the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) spon- sored a tour of the Fryingpan- Arkansas Project. There were 22 participants that enjoyed the two - day tour, led by Tom Musgrove, Facilities Manager for Pueblo Reservoir. The first stop was at the top of Pueblo Dam, where Tom gave a brief overview of the facilities and purpose. From the Dam the convoy headed west to the Ar- kansas Headwater Recreation Area (AHRA) to meet Assistant Manager, John Geerdes. John explained that the AHRA has worldwide recognition for whitewater rafting and trout fishing. He stated there is more whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River than on any other river in the United States, and more than all other Colorado rivers combined. He also discussed how the water that flows down the river is augmented by a "Volunteer Flow Program." AHRA, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Reclamation, and SECWCD are all instru- mental in helping coor- dinate the annual "Volunteer Flow Program." On to Twin Lakes and the Mt. Elbert Power Plant, the group learned how Reclamation turns running water into electri- cal energy. It was explained how the valuable water resource is re- cycled and reused over and over again. The group drove by the Mt. Elbert Forebay, Sugar Loaf Dam, and Turquoise Lake while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. Next the participants visited the outlet for the Boustead Tun- nel, one of the highlights of the tour. The 5.4 mile long tunnel carries water from the western slope collection systems under the Continental Divide. The wa- ter is then stored on the eastern slope in Turquoise Lake. Day two of the tour started bright and early as the convoy followed the Fryingpan River into the mountains above Basalt. The first stop was a tour of Reudi Dam and Reservoir. This is where the Fryingpan- Arkansas Project began with the construc- tion of the dam and reservoir in 1964. Ruedi Reservoir provides storage for replacement and regulation of water for the west- ern slope users. The South Side Collection System was the next stop. The Collection System consists of both the North and South Side The group then headed west over breath - taking Independence Pass. The first day= of the tour ended with a delicious dinner and a restful night in Carbondale. Fm Collections Systems. Both sys- tems feature diversion structures that collect water from the high mountain run off. In total there are 16 diversion structures on the