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Background
<br /> The Satellite-linked Monitoring System (SMS) has been operating since 1985, starting with 82 linked gaging
<br /> stations. As the need for the data has increased, the SMS has expanded. Since inception, in excess of 8
<br /> million dollars has been invested in the development of the SMS infrastructure. Currently, DWR operates •
<br /> and maintains over 520 data collection platforms (DCPs) on rivers, streams, reservoirs, ditches and canals
<br /> to collect and transmit basic stream flow and water elevation data to support the Division's primary mission
<br /> of water rights and compact administration. Additional benefits of the system include flow alerts based on
<br /> parameter thresholds, such as: low flow alerts in support of CWCB ISF programs; high flow alerts in support
<br /> of flood protection decision making and flood warning; and, rate of change alerts below dams and reservoirs.
<br /> Collectively, these platforms and the computer equipment in Denver are the Satellite-linked Monitoring
<br /> System (SMS). The USGS and other entities operate an additional 300+ sites in Colorado. The USGS and
<br /> DWR are working to improve data availability and reduce duplication through improved gaging station
<br /> effectiveness. The SMS provides basic water flow data to the staffs of the Division of Water Resources and
<br /> Colorado Water Conservation Board and many public and private entities, such as: the Cities of Colorado
<br /> Springs and Aurora, the Denver Water Board, the Arkansas River Compact Commission, Emergency
<br /> Coordinators for most Colorado counties, water rights owners, recreationists such as fishermen and rafters,
<br /> and conservation groups. Many programs of the DWR, such as various river operations analysis
<br /> spreadsheets used in each of the seven DWR Division offices for water administration, and the DWR Safety
<br /> of Dams Program rely upon the real-time data acquired through the SMS. Water resources accounting
<br /> programs utilizing the SMS include the Dolores Project, the Colorado-Big Thompson Project and the
<br /> Fryingpan-Arkansas River Project. CWCB programs, such as Stream and Lake Protection, Flood
<br /> Protection and Water Supply Protection also utilize the real-time data.
<br /> FY2014-15 Funding Request
<br /> Satellite Telemetry Equipment. DWR requests $275,000 to replace out-dated DCPs and upgrade
<br /> associated satellite telemetry equipment. This is $25,000 more than requested for the last several years
<br /> and represents the basic funding required to replace equipment as it wears out or becomes out-dated.
<br /> In order to maintain the system, DWR projects that electronic equipment will be replaced, on average, every •
<br /> 10 years. DWR owns about 480 total sets of electronic(DCP and stage sensor) equipment out of the 520+
<br /> gages it operates. With an average life of 10 years, we project 45-50 replacements per year. At current
<br /> equipment costs, the cost of DCP replacement with newest generation satellite transceivers as well as
<br /> replacement of gage height sensors ranges from $3750 to $6000 per gage, depending on the type of gage
<br /> height sensor needed (shaft encoder, constant flow bubbler or radar sensor). Using a mean of$4500 and
<br /> life expectancy of 10 years, the total annual projected equipment cost to simply maintain operable
<br /> equipment is approximately$216,000. The life of antennas, batteries, solar panels, wiring, and grounding
<br /> equipment varies considerably. Based on the last several years, we project an average annual expense of
<br /> this equipment is approximately$24,000. Travel (vehicle mileage, per diem, etc.) and overtime support to
<br /> perform this work around the State is projected at$35,000. Total annual current cost is, therefore,
<br /> approximately$275,000.
<br /> Existing Stream Gages. DWR requests $55,000 for refurbishing existing stream gages. The request in this
<br /> category of funding is level and the same as the past several years. Approximately 60% of Colorado's
<br /> satellite-linked gaging stations are located in the rivers and streams of the state. The others are located in
<br /> reservoirs, ditches, and canals. Gaging station physical infrastructure (shelters, stream controls,
<br /> independent reference gages, etc.) must be properly maintained and periodically refurbished in order to
<br /> collect accurate data.
<br /> An important physical component of many DWR stream gages around the State is the ability to measure
<br /> high flows so that the upper end of stage-discharge relationships can be improved and maintained to yield
<br /> accurate high/flood flow data. High flow measurement capability varies from gage to gage. High flows at
<br /> stream gages are measured from cableways near the gage or from nearby up-or downstream bridges.
<br /> Cableways at DWR stream gages are given a detailed inspection each four years. Many cableways,
<br /> primarily because of age, have been found to need replacement of key components of the cableway system.
<br /> High flow measurement sustainability projects address such identified cableway design/safe use issues.
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<br /> These may include replacement of cable, improvements to the cable anchorage system, replacement of A-
<br /> frame components, replacement of cable cars, etc. Costs can run from as little as $1000 per cableway to as
<br /> much as$20,000 per cableway, depending on what components need replacement before a cableway can
<br /> be returned to safe service. Alternatively, existing cableways found to have design or safe use deficiencies
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