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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />against its delivery obligation in 2003. At this time, the potential to store water in post- <br />compact Platoro Reservoir is minimal due to low snowpack. The situation could change <br />over the next few weeks if precipitation increases. At this time the projected runoff is <br />below average and the administration of water rights will require that a seven percent <br />curtailment on both the Rio Grande and Conejos River basins even with the use of credit <br />water. <br /> <br />Weare working with the contractor to complete the RGDSS this spring with available <br />funds and if necessary, to continue final work on the project with DWR staff and <br />consultants employed by the water users. <br /> <br />Gunnison River Basin Issues <br /> <br />It appears that the Redlands Mesa power canal will place a call on the Gunnison in early <br />April and that the Uncompahgre Water Users Association will place a call for its senior <br />Gunnison Tunnel water right in the Black Canyon sometime in early April unless <br />precipitation improves on the irrigated lands. The Colorado River WCD is attempting to <br />the Redlands Mesa canal to accept compensation in lieu of water to not place its call. <br />Staff are meeting with the Upper Gunnison WCD to explain how we would administer <br />these calls to minimize any misunderstandings with the water users. Last year when we <br />had a call by the Gunnison Tunnel, it was the first time since the drought of the 1950's <br />and there were some water users who were surprised and upset with having their water <br />rights administered. <br /> <br />Republican River Basin Issues <br /> <br />Special Master McKuisick has completed his report that will be submitted to the U.S. <br />Supreme Court as soon as it is printed. He is recommending that the Final Settlement <br />Stipulation approved by the three states be accepted and that the case be dismissed with <br />prejudice upon successful completion of the ground water model. The model is to be <br />completed and accepted by the states by July 1,2003. Work is continuing on the model <br />by representatives of all three states and the focus is on the more complex eastern portion <br />of the model area where water is imported from the Platte River basin and creates a <br />mound in the water table in that part of the Republican River basin. Weare hopeful that <br />the model will be completed successfully and that this interstate lawsuit can be resolved <br />through negotiation and not costly litigation. Once the model is completed, we will use it <br />to assist in the computations of adjusted allocations for all three states beginning in 2003. <br />Hopefully, 2003 will be an average or better year of precipitation in Colorado and we can <br />begin the accounting under the five year moving average with a good year and not a <br />drought year which can penalize Colorado by reducing our compact allocations. <br />