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allocation. The SPWRMS is a framework for the future, which <br />could include a decision support system for evaluating <br />alternative water distribution patterns for the improvement of <br />in- stream flows, thereby enhancing aquatic habitat. The SPWRMS <br />is scheduled to be in place in the near future. <br />The principal goal of the CRDSS is to provide a capability to <br />develop credible information and conduct analyses for making <br />informed decisions concerning management of water resources <br />within the Colorado River basin. Among other things, the CRDSS <br />will promote information sharing among government agencies and <br />water users, and evaluate alternative water allocation strategies <br />for maximum utilization of available resources, including <br />evaluation of impacts of in- stream flow appropriations (e.g. <br />endangered fish flow). The CRDSS is expected to be on -line in <br />stages beginning in 1996. <br />C. Water Ouality Management <br />The Colorado Water Quality Control Act declares it to be the <br />public policy of this state "to conserve state waters and to <br />protect, maintain, and improve, where necessary and reasonable, <br />the quality thereof ... for protection and propagation of <br />wildlife and aquatic life ..." This policy is furthered by <br />efforts to protect native species and their habitat. Avoiding <br />federal threatened or endangered listings is one measure of the <br />success of efforts to protect such species, in accordance with <br />the policy quoted above. <br />In accordance with the provisions of the Water Quality Control <br />Act, the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) and Water <br />Quality Control Division (WQCD) within the Department of Public <br />Health and Environment have developed a comprehensive system of <br />use classifications and water quality standards for the surface <br />waters in this state. Aquatic life use classifications have been <br />adopted for the vast majority of Colorado surface waters. These <br />classifications, and corresponding narrative and numerical water <br />quality standards, seek protection of Colorado native aquatic <br />life along with other desirable aquatic life species, taking <br />site - specific conditions into account. Therefore, a more <br />focussed effort to assure protection of Colorado native species <br />would be fully compatible with the existing programmatic efforts <br />of the WQCC and the WQCD. <br />The relationship of ongoing WQCC and WQCD efforts to the three <br />potential phases of a native species protection initiative <br />identified in the Draft Concept Paper is discussed below. <br />Inventory of aquatic resources: <br />An inventory of existing aquatic life resources is one essential <br />component of efforts to assure adequate water quality protection <br />16 <br />