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at right), discharges measured with a submerged Venturi have been obtained with accuracy similar to discharge measured over a critical -flow long - throated flume. Currently, a bubbler sensor is being configured to monitor the two water levels needed for measuring flow in a submerged Ven- turi flume. The submerged Venturi flume is seen as an affordable technology that will enable flow measurement at sites with insufficient head for a critical -flow measurement structure. During the current water season, the WRRL staff is working with the Colorado Water Conserva- tion Board, the State Engineer's office, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District and lo- cal irrigation companies in demonstrating flow monitoring and control technologies linked by radio communications. The photo at right shows an installation on the South Platte Ditch Compa- ny's recharge system near Merino, CO. Costs of equipment that has recently become available are approaching an affordability threshold that can make centrally - controlled canal automation cost effective for smaller agricultural water systems. These demonstration projects will enable coop- erating districts the opportunity to gain a sense of the range of benefits that the technology can offer for their system. They will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to interact with local cooperators to sense both the types of issues encountered as well as the improvements that are possible with the technology. The range of options for both canal moderniza- tion hardware and operational methodologies that are available for agricultural water entities to consider is evolving rapidly, both in terms of capability and affordability. Districts that have embarked on canal modernization programs fre- quently note that one of the most costly aspects of integrating new technologies into their opera- tions is "finding out what works ". Frequently, as districts move forward with canal modernization projects, they will experience a shift in mind- set as personnel become more familiar with the capabilities and the limitations of the technology, and as improved data flow makes impacts of ca- nal hydraulics become more apparent. Through financial and technological support, workshops and training, and active research and demonstra- tion efforts, Reclamation is seeking to shorten the learning curve for agricultural water systems and facilitate improvements that enhance water conservation and management. Award Winning Groundwater Atlas Now Available At Colorado Geological Survey Website The Ground Water Atlas of Colorado, published by the Colorado Geological Survey, earned the Geological Society of Americas 2005 E. B. Burwell, Jr. Award for it's authors, Ralf Topper, Karen L. Spray, William H. Bellis, Judith L. Hamil- ton, and Peter E. Barkmann. A synopsis of the Ground Water Atlas is now available �� y online. Like the original publication, the web site contains - introductory chapters on the state's ground -water resource, r =_ as well as specific discussions on each of the state's major aquifers. The web site version consists of 3 -4 pages of text and graphic materials for each of the origi- nal 7 chapters of the publication. In addition, the web site contains the complete glossary, and down- load capability of high - resolution graphic files displayed as figures on the web pages. The synopsis of the Ground Water Atlas of Colorado can be viewed at http: / /geosurvey .state.co.us /wateratlas /. - -- —�-�" - -�-• -- 17 --gym -,