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switching more irrigation deinand to the raw water system may affect the reliability of water delivery due to the relatively high number of water shortages already expected in parts of this system. Finally, water conservation strategies need to recognize the distinction between the gross amount of water diverted and applied for irrigation versus the net amount of water consumed by evapotranspiration. The difference between the two is highly significant in the open ditch systems used in the Aspen area and because of the relatively low consumptive water demand at 8000 feet elevation. The net difference between the amount applied from irrigation and evapotranspiration generally comes back to area streams as return flows. Because of a delay factor in the water returning through alluvial groundwater to the stream and because peak diversions generally occur in July when surface flows are readily available, these return flows significantly contribute to maintaining base flow in the late summer when availability is critical. Areas such as the upper Eagle Valley which have converted from ditch systems irrigating hay meadows to more "efficient" spray irrigation systems using pipelines and irrigating a larger area than before have seen significant changes in the streamflows prevalent in the later summer months of August and September and now experience more extreme water shortages. 1.2 Water Management Plan (1990) This plan was drafted for City Council consideration in 1990, but because of concerns regarding proposed policies and the cost of the recommended program to construct new surface water reservoirs on Castle and Maroon Creeks it was not adopted or implemented. However, the plan provided useful data on water rights, water availability, water system capital program status, hydroelectric power generation potential, existing water service commitments and water conservation measures in place as well as those under consideration. The plan also addresses financial requirements for capital improvements and rates to recover water service costs. The Water Management Plan described the benefits of water conservation programs which are implemented to reduce, delay, or eliminate the need to construct surface water storage reservoirs on Castle and Maroon Creeks. Water conservation measures already in place include the following: . Adoption of a 3-phase drought emergency ordinance which implements progressively more restrictive limits on water usage during a period of water shortage. . Mandatory metering ufwateruse. (Note:' Ratrate accountsare permitted for construction accounts and other limited circumstances.) . Water pricing-- The City utilizes a "mild" version of an "inverted" price structure which provides higher water rates for excessive water usage to discourage water wastage. . . Water education programs. . Implementation of state statutes regarding use of low-flow fixtures in new construction. . Raw water distribution system for irrigation and snowmaking. 6