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increase in aquifer storage would likely increase surface flows in Long Hollow and the <br /> La Plata River. <br /> Through this study, WWE found that it is feasible to manipulate some surface water <br /> flows within the Red Mesa area, especially within Long-Hollow. The amount of water <br /> stored in the Red Mesa terrace aquifer can be modified through artificial recharge <br /> practices. Moreover, the location, amount and timing of groundwater discharges to <br /> surface streams could be modified by irrigation recharge and infiltration of water at <br /> recharge basins. <br /> Recharge to Red Mesa aquifer could provide the needed temporary storage to help better <br /> manage the La Plata River Compact and the water resources in the La Plata Basin. <br /> Similarly, water placed in recharge basins on Red Mesa could be used to change the <br /> character of the water table and surface flows within the study area. <br /> Due to the severe drought conditions of 2002, which followed two dry years, WWE <br /> recommends that the well monitoring program be extended through July 2003 so that the <br /> response of the aquifer to the drought can be further evaluated. It is not yet known if the <br /> aquifer will continue to discharge at its present rate or if its discharge will be reduced. <br /> WWE recommends that additional pumping tests or slug tests be performed on wells <br /> within the study area. This would allow better hydraulic conductivity and porosity values <br /> to be determined, thereby improving the overall understanding of the system and <br /> reliability of the calculated groundwater travel times. WWE also is considering the use <br /> of groundwater tracers that would be introduced to wells at various locations. This would <br /> help to better determine direction and timing of subsurface water flow. <br /> Document/2002/991-077/031/Executive Summary <br />