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<br />5.0 Conclusions <br /> <br />The key conclusions and products of this report are: <br /> <br />. A bibliography has been developed which describes approximately 7,500 pertinent reports <br />related.to water supply, drought periods, expected shortages, and interstate compacts. <br />On a broad scale, a wealth of individual information items exist throughout the state. <br />Local, smaller scale, data also exists, but are too numerous to describe. The <br />bibliography shows that most of the data on a statewide basis has not been updated since <br />the early 1970's. <br /> <br />. Large scale data collection needs are significant and include additional irrigated acreage <br />information in Divisions 1, 2, and 3 and ground water pumping data in Divisions I and <br />3. Compilation of statewide data is also needed. Detailed, local data requirements are <br />expected to continue to be addressed as needed. <br /> <br />. Data management needs are large in Divisions I, 2 and 3. These needs are similar to <br />those which resulted in developing the Colorado River Decision Support System <br />(CRDSS) for Divisions 4, 5, 6 and 7, and the South Platte Water Rights Management <br />System (SPWRMS) in Division 1. A plan and schedule have been developed which will <br />allow a statewide "Colorado Water Decision Support System" to be realized. The <br />development of this system is estimated to cost 5 million dollars and would take <br />approximately 8 years to complete. <br /> <br />. Development of accurate water budgets throughout the state is difficult given the current <br />level of data collection and available resources. <br /> <br />. Approximately 70% of the water available for use in Colorado comes during the May <br />though July runoff period. Therefore, the keys to drought preparedness must include <br />storage and runoff forecasting, demand management, interruptible supply arrangements, <br />conjunctive use and other innovative tools to aid in managing Colorado's water <br />resources. While there may be adequate storage to meet today's needs under normal <br />runoff conditions, there is not enough storage to sustain these uses through a severe and <br />sustained period of drought. However, development of additional storage is very <br />expensive, permit intensive, and requires 20 to 30 years from planning to construction. <br />As growth continues in the state, the ability to meet increasing demands and to sustain <br />water supplies through droughts will become increasingly difficult. Decisions on how <br />future supply demands are met will have to be made in the very near future if the state <br />is to meet those demands. <br /> <br />. In the Colorado River Basin (Water Divisions 4, 5, 6 and 7), consumptive use of water <br />is the measure of Colorado's compact apportionment under the "Law of the Colorado <br /> <br />17 <br />