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The irrigation water supply will increase from 2,088 acre-feet to 3,499 acre-feet, a total of 1,411 <br /> acre-feet. The domestic supply will increase from zero to 330 acre-feet. Evaporation will <br /> increase from 102 to 233 acre-feet. The total increase in supply for all uses from the enlarged <br /> reservoir is 1,862 acre-feet. <br /> The results of the hydrology study are thought to be conservative because return flows and <br /> runoff from Hay Gulch are not included,which would increase the flow into the reservoir. <br /> The key to the water supply for the enlarged reservoir is: (1) to divert winter flows (November 1 <br /> to April 1) assumed to be the amount measured at the Hesperus Gage and (2) be able to divert <br /> 120 cfs from the LaPlata River if available during runoff Neither of these conditions are <br /> practiced now because the water is not needed to fill the existing reservoir. The ability of the <br /> Company to divert all of the winter and runoff has not been resolved as of August, 2001 and as a <br /> result the development of the enlarged Red Mesa Reservoir is not feasible in the manner <br /> described herein. <br /> In summary, the enlarged reservoir could increase the irrigation supply by an average of about <br /> 38% in all but the driest years and simultaneously provide 330 acre-feet of domestic water. The <br /> water supply is available to utilize the enlarged capacity in all but the driest years predicated <br /> upon careful operation of the reservoir to divert and store water whenever LaPlata River flow is <br /> available under the Red Mesa priority. <br /> The operation study has been reviewed by the State Water Commissioner and his comments are <br /> integrated in the analysis. <br /> 9.0 Water Quality <br /> The water quality of the LaPlata River is excellent. The Bureau of Reclamation has conducted <br /> extensive water quality tests as part of the Animas-LaPlata Project Definite Plan Report, <br /> Environmental Impact Statements, and other planning documents, which show that the water is <br /> suitable for irrigation and domestic use with treatment. <br /> 10.0 Field Investigations <br /> There were minimal new field investigations required to prepare a feasibility study on Red Mesa <br /> Dam because the Bureau of Reclamation has performed extensive land classification studies as <br /> part of the Animas-LaPlata Project and the Soil Conservation Service performed geotechncial <br /> analysis of the dam site in the 1970's. <br /> 18 <br />