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The daily river point flow analysis currently being developed by the Northern Colorado Water <br /> Conservancy District (NCWCD) in conjunction with the Colorado State Engineer's South <br /> Platte Water Rights Management System (SPWRMS)will assist in visualizing and analyzing <br /> the pattern of return flows and how these flows are related to river administration and legal <br /> water availability. <br /> This study will involve considerable use of map databases. Locating projects in relation to <br /> canal system structures and groundwater hydrology data (e.g., SDF maps, saturated <br /> thickness, groundwater levels) will utilize various map layers. Investigating opportunities for <br /> enhanced canal system management and additional conjunctive use potential can result <br /> from a composite analysis of databases representing irrigated acreage, groundwater well <br /> location, soil types, and canal system layout. The use of computer based GIS (Geographic <br /> Information System) applications can promote better analysis and provide displays that can <br /> enhance educational efforts. The GIS department at NCWCD can assist in this map analysis <br /> effort. <br /> TASK 2 - Project Identification and Assistance <br /> Through meetings and field trips, discussions with water users and water administrators will <br /> identify potential projects and their envisioned benefits and constraints. The lower South <br /> Platte River has recently become a focal area for new water uses. There is a need for <br /> projects to protect and enhance current uses as to meet new uses such as reflected by the <br /> current demands and development around the City of Sterling. The Colorado Division of <br /> Wildlife (CDOW) desires creating new and improved water related habitat for Colorado <br /> wildlife, including species of concern like the Plains minnow, as well as protecting existing <br /> habitat improvement projects in State Wildlife Areas. Existing users of water in the lower <br /> river envision improved management to enhance existing uses. Water is also needed to <br /> address federal requirements under the Endangered Species Act. <br /> Projects to be investigated for realizing these benefits include the development of relatively <br /> inexpensive managed groundwater recharge projects whose source of water would be <br /> existing ditch systems or groundwater wells located at the river diverting during periods of <br /> surplus. Another possibility for development is several potential small off-channel reservoir <br /> sites that exist in the lower end of the river which could also yield water for various uses. In <br /> addition, an existing reservoir such as Julesburg Reservoir might be altered to provide <br /> additional storage. <br /> When investigating ditch systems for the potential of recharge and reservoir sites, the <br /> potential for enhanced ditch system management to benefit water supply objectives will also <br /> be discussed. This might include river headgate improvements, ditch checks, equalization <br /> reservoirs, canal lining, conjunctive measurement and other water control features. <br /> Numerous water users entities in the lower river currently have projects being planned and <br /> developed. The participants of the South Platte Lower River Group can provide technical <br /> assistance to these projects in such areas as measurement structures, groundwater <br /> modeling, and recharge/augmentation accounting. <br /> A matrix will be developed to compare various water supply options. This matrix will include <br /> type of project, potential use, water supply and yields, capital costs, operation and <br /> maintenance costs, permit requirements, development time, constraints, wildlife issues, <br /> funding sources, benefit/cost, and priority among options. <br />