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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Page 5 in the alternative water resources plans is shown to offset a significant por- tion of forecast water demands. Several of these measures can be implemented at a substantially lower cost per acre-foot of water than the cost of develop- men t 01 new firm y i e I d from e i the r na t i ve 0 r i mpo r t ed supp lies. A I so, ins t i - tutional arrangements and water rights administration could be modified to improve the economical allocation of water and overall efficiency of use. Several of these potential measures have not been implemented previously else- where on a large scale and wi II requi re considerable cooperation among the various interests involved in water resources management and use. 5. Issues in Water Resources Management During the approximately two-year Study process, a number of issues related to management and development of water resources in the St. Vrain Basin were identified and discussed with the Advisors Corrmittee, the Manage- ment Convn i ttee, and other concerned c it i zens. Some issues seem to have been resolved by consensus whereas others require additional investigation, study, and dialog among the various interests in the Basin. Issues identified include the fol lowing: a. Although a wide range of views regarding water resources management was expressed, a general consensus appears to have been reached that water avai labi I ity for municipal, indus- trial, and agricultural purposes should be the primary consideration in water resources management. Important secondary purposes were mentioned previously. b. The monetary cost 01 water resources management and develop- ment is a major issue, i nc I ud i ng the way in wh i ch the cost burden wi II be shared by various water user groups or inter- ests. c. Agricultural interests generally desire improved regulation of water suppl ies for crop irrigation. The Study findings indicate, however, that only non-structural measures for improving agricultural water management wi II be economical to implement. Since subsidies would be requi red, methods for financing arrangements for structural facilities is a crucial issue in the agricultural sector. Financial arrangements for faci lities for M&I water suppl ies are also an important issue. d. Social concerns impacted by water resources management are important to a large segment of the community, including the location of major storage reservoirs, availability of rec- reation, and flood control needs. Major reservoir locations immediately upstream from residential communities are a par- ticularly sensitive social concern. e. Conversion of a large Thompson Project water industrial use may be an number of shares of Colorado-Big from agricultural to municipal and economic and social issue.