PUB00102

• Year: 1998
• Title: Denver Basin and South Platte River Basin Technical Study
• CWCB Section: Water Conservation & Drought Planning
• Author: Simpson/Lile
• Description: Results of study to investigate Denver Basin groundwater management and South Platte River Basin issues
• Publications - Doc Type: Brochure

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More realistic calculation of stream-flow depletions
Collection/interpretation of pumping record data from each bedrock aquifer
Collection and compilation of aquifer test and core-analysis data
Analysis of core samples from bedrock wells in the basin
Expand the monitoring of declining groundwater levels in withdrawal areas.

The detailed recommendations of the peer review group are in Summary Appendix A.

3. The concept of the net impact to the South Platte River and consideration of
increased stream run-off from urbanization as replacement for groundwater
depletions resulting from ground water pumping requires substantial investigation and
consultation within the water community prior to recommendations or decisions to
change existing statutes.

4. Implementation of the Cooperative Agreement is critical to the ability of Colorado
water users to utilize existing water rights and to proceed with future development
of the water resources in the South Platte River Basin. The Legislature currently
is considering financing for such implementation as part of HB 98-1006.

5. We recommend that the effective dates and repeal dates of SB 96-074's
amendments to Sections 37-90-137(9)(c) and (c.5) be delayed by one year (effective
July 1, 1999 and repealed effective July 1, 2002).

6. The State Engineer recommends that the Division of Water Resources consider and
evaluate additional public comment on a de minimis standard for depletion from the
pumping of a Denver Basin "not non-tributary" aquifer based on an annual pumping
volume of 3 acre-feet per year. The State Engineer would recommend to the
legislature whether there is consensus to change the statutes.

STUDY CHAPTER SUMMARY

Chapter 1 . Introduction

This chapter is an identification of the Special Water Committee members and the
responsibilities of the State Engineer and CWCB Director. The scope of work and
work plan as approved by the Special Water Committee is presented.

Chapter 2 - Inventory of Surface Water and Groundwater Resources in the South
Platte River Basin (Technical Addendum No.1, Chapter 1)

This chapter provides an inventory of the surface water and nontributary
groundwater resources of the South Platte River Basin in Colorado. The purpose

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