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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Metropolitan Water Supply Investigation MWSI Process Under the direction of the T AC, Phase III of the MWSI included a concentrated high- level strategic examination of other systems integration possibilities. The primary objectives of this effort included: I) providing an opportunity for additional mutual education regarding water supply systems from the perspectives of different geographic sub-regions; 2) establishment of a safe clearinghouse for discussion of cooperative water supply ideas and information; and 3) possible establishment of forums for continued discussion of cooperative planning effort that would endure beyond the conclusion of the MWSI. This part of the investigation was implemented through a series of six regional brainstorming meetings as described below. · Denver/Aurora - This meeting focused on the central portion of the metro Denver area and on its two largest water supply systems. These were addressed in one session due to their common elements including extensive transbasin supplies, major South Platte reservoirs, and a principal diversion point at Strontia Springs Reservoir. · Cherry Creek/Plum Creek - This meeting focused on the metro Denver water providers that are primarily dependent on Denver Basin groundwater as a water supply source. Other major elements specific to this region include a high level of interest in reuse and augmentation plans involving the surface flows and alluvial aquifers of Cherry Creek and Plum Creek. . Northwest Quadrant - This sub-region includes the water providers obtaining their primary supplies from Clear Creek and Denver's Moffat Tunnel Collection System. South Boulder Creek, Ralston Creek and Coal Creek are also included in this sub-region. . Northeast Quadrant - This sub-region includes the South Platte River from Chatfield Reservoir to the St. Vrain confluence and the lower portions of Bear Creek, Cherry Creek and Clear Creek. This sub-region includes most of the metro area's effluent management opportunities and associated water quality issues. This region receives major inflows from urban stormwater runoff, lawn irrigation return flows and wastewater discharges. · Northern Front Range - This sub-region includes the South Platte below the St. Vrain confluence and the Boulder, St. Vrain, Big Thompson and Cache La Poudre basins. Most of the agricultural water use in the South Platte basin occurs within this sub-region and most of this sub-region is located within the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. · West Slope - This meeting yielded valuable information concerning a number of systemic issues and policy perspectives that need to be considered regarding systems integration opportunities as they affect existing and future transbasin diversions and West Slope water management issues such as endangered fish, instream flows and water quality. While the Phase III systems integration discussions were underway, the Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a new Resource Statement that directed their staff to explore cooperative actions with water suppliers outside the Denver Water service area (see Appendix 8.) The Resource Statement also suggested a process for the development and consideration of cooperative actions on a sub-regional basis that would encourage 11 Prepared for the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado Department of Natural Resources by Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1002 Walnut Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302