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<br />. <br /> <br />Question: One idea to protect the Western Slope economy and environment would be to let the water flow <br />down the Colorado and Gunnison rivers to the Utah state line. The excess water would then be stored and <br />pumped back for use in Colorado, including the Front Range area. Would you support or oppose consideration <br />of a project that pumps back surplus water from the Colorado/Utah border? <br /> <br />Sixty percent of all Colorado voters support the concept, including 53 percent of Western Slope residents, 70 <br />percent from the North Front Range. 59 percent from the Denver metro area and South Front Range, and 71 <br />percent from the Eastern Plains. <br /> <br />Water Partnership With Agriculture <br /> <br />Since agriculture uses approximately 90 percent of the water used annually in Colorado, there is a growing <br />view that it is essential to develop partnerships between agriculture and population centers for shared use of <br />water. <br /> <br />Until recently, it has been assumed that if cities use agricultural water, farming would cease and the <br />agricultural economy and the communities it supports would die. But new approaches to shared use of <br />agricultural water are being developed, Including water banking, lease arrangements, and capital investments <br />in infrastructure to improve irrigation efficiency. Such approaches could allow agricultural water to be shared <br />with municipalities. <br /> <br />Voters resist plans that might harm the states' agriculture. Sixty-three percent oppose taking water from <br />agriculture. But when asked if voters support cities, farms and ranches sharing water in a way that allows <br />agriculture to stay in business, 86 percent say yes. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Us,eof Agricultural Water by Cities and Towns: <br />Take or Share Water <br />88% <br /> <br />63% <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />T aile farm water <br /> <br />Share farm wtlIer <br /> <br />Support use <br /> <br />. Oppose use <br />Ciruli MsOOlilte$, MoOt, July 2002 <br /> <br />Question: Among the fot/owing two statements which comes closest to your views on the issue? Some water <br />should be taken from agriculture for use by cities and towns, or, No water should be taken from agriculture for <br />use by cities and towns. <br /> <br />Significant agricultural areas such as the North Front Range (Larimer and Weld counties) and the Eastern <br />Plains are highly supportive of sharing water (82% and 75% approval, respectively). <br /> <br />. Water Rationing: Tough Choices <br /> <br />Although voters believe all water users should make some reductions, they are reluctant to pick and choose <br />which should be cut back most. When asked to select areas for water rationing, golf courses, lawns, and river <br />