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Metropolitan Water Supply Investigation MWSI Process <br /> Under the direction of the TAC, Phase III of the MWSI included a concentrated high- <br /> level strategic examination of other systems integration possibilities. The primary <br /> objectives of this effort included: 1)providing an opportunity for additional mutual <br /> education regarding water supply systems from the perspectives of different geographic <br /> sub-regions; 2) establishment of a safe clearinghouse for discussion of cooperative water <br /> supply ideas and information; and 3)possible establishment of forums for continued <br /> discussion of cooperative planning effort that would endure beyond the conclusion of the <br /> MWSI. This part of the investigation was implemented through a series of six regional <br /> brainstorming meetings as described below. <br /> • Denver/Aurora—This meeting focused on the central portion of the metro Denver <br /> area and on its two largest water supply systems. These were addressed in one <br /> session due to their common elements including extensive transbasin supplies, <br /> major South Platte reservoirs, and a principal diversion point at Strontia Springs <br /> Reservoir. <br /> • Cherry Creek/Plum Creek—This meeting focused on the metro Denver water <br /> providers that are primarily dependent on Denver Basin groundwater as a water <br /> supply source. Other major elements specific to this region include a high level of <br /> interest in reuse and augmentation plans involving the surface flows and alluvial <br /> aquifers of Cherry Creek and Plum Creek. <br /> • Northwest Quadrant- This sub-region includes the water providers obtaining <br /> their primary supplies from Clear Creek and Denver's Moffat Tunnel Collection <br /> System. South Boulder Creek, Ralston Creek and Coal Creek are also included in <br /> this sub-region. <br /> • Northeast Quadrant-This sub-region includes the South Platte River from <br /> Chatfield Reservoir to the St. Vrain confluence and the lower portions of Bear <br /> Creek, Cherry Creek and Clear Creek. This sub-region includes most of the metro <br /> area's effluent management opportunities and associated water quality issues. This <br /> region receives major inflows from urban stormwater runoff, lawn irrigation return <br /> flows and wastewater discharges. <br /> • Northern Front Range-This sub-region includes the South Platte below the St. <br /> Vrain confluence and the Boulder, St. Vrain, Big Thompson and Cache La Poudre <br /> basins. Most of the agricultural water use in the South Platte basin occurs within <br /> this sub-region and most of this sub-region is located within the Northern Colorado <br /> Water Conservancy District. <br /> • West Slope—This meeting yielded valuable information concerning a number of <br /> systemic issues and policy perspectives that need to be considered regarding <br /> systems integration opportunities as they affect existing and future transbasin <br /> diversions and West Slope water management issues such as endangered fish, <br /> instream flows and water quality. <br /> While the Phase III systems integration discussions were underway, the Denver Board of <br /> Water Commissioners adopted a new Resource Statement that directed their staff to <br /> explore cooperative actions with water suppliers outside the Denver Water service area <br /> (see Appendix 8.) The Resource Statement also suggested a process for the development <br /> and consideration of cooperative actions on a sub-regional basis that would encourage <br /> 11 <br /> Prepared for the Colorado Water Conservation Board,Colorado Department of Natural Resources by <br /> Hydrosphere Resource Consultants,1002 Walnut Street,Suite 200,Boulder,CO 80302 <br />