Animas-La Plata Water Rights

Reservoir, were accepted in the office of the State Engineer
on March 6, 1957. Complete detailed maps will be filed after
preconstruction work is completed and prior to actual construction
of the.various project features.
8. EXPLANATORY.
(a) A general map of the Animas -La Plata Project is
attached hereto.
(b) In the project operation, to achieve a better
utilization of the waters claimed hereunder, lands needing
supplemental water which are situated above project distribution
facilities in the drainage area of La Plata River, Hay Gulch and
Cherry Creek will be served by exchange, where replacement of
existing: rights in those sources can be made from project facilities.
(c) The Animas -La Plata Project includes lands in the
State of New Mexico and in three separate Water Districts in the
State of Colorado.. Article IX, subsection (a) of the Upper Colorado
Ewer Compact, dated October 11, 1948, and approved by the
legislature of the State of Colorado (C.R.S., 1953, 148-8 -1),
authorizes the acquisition,of water rights in an upper signatory
state for use in a lower signatory state. In this instance the
State of Colorado is an upper signatory state and the State of
New Mexico is a lower signatory state.
WHEREFORE, CLAIMANTS.PRAY for an Absolute Decree adjudging
The Southwestern Water Conservation District to be the owner of
the following water rights with a priority date of December 31!,
1910, . and if any part or all of said Decree be conditional when
made, it be conditioned only until application of the water to
beneficial use, to -wit:
(a) DIRECT WATER RIGHTS, as follows:
1. Initial Storage Water Rights:
_. I. Howardsville Reservoir - 93,700 acre -feet from
the Animas River.
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