BOARD01453

• Board Meeting Date: 1/25/2005
• Description: WSP Section - Statewide Water Supply Initiative ‎(SWSI)‎ Status Update
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

Section 11
Implementation

"

recreational enhancement beyond the project
mitigation measures required by law, conflicts
among M&I, agricultural, recreational, and
environmental users could intensify.

9. The ability of smaller, rural water providers and
agricultural water users to adequately address
their existing and future water needs is
significantly affected by their financial
capabilities.

10. While SWSI evaluated water needs and solutions
through 2030, very few M&I water providers have
identified supplies beyond 2030. Beyond 2030,
growing demands may require more aggressive
solutions.

These Findings and the Recommendations found in
Section 11.3 were drawn from ail aspects of the SWSI
process, However, they should not be viewed as
consensus products of the Basin Roundtables.

11.2.2 River Basin Issues at a Glance

Section 10 of this report presents a comprehensive view
of our state and its water uses and needs. A brief
overview of some of the individual basin issues is
provided here to assist the reader in linking the basin
issues to SWSI implementation.

11.2.2.1 Arkansas Basin

. Arkansas River Compact requirements and existing
uses and water rights result in little to no water
availability for new uses.

. Growth in the headwaters region wiil present
chailenges in obtaining augmentation water for new
demands.

. Concerns over agricultural transfers and its impact on
rural economies are significant in the lower portion of
the basin downstream of Pueblo Reservoir.

" Concern over water quality and suitable drinking
water are key concerns in the lower basin.

. The success of two major projects are key to meeting
future water needs.

. The urban landscape is very important to the
economy and an important component to quality of
life.

COM

11-2

11.2.2.2 Colorado Basin

. Rapid growth in the headwaters areas and lack of
available supplies or storage are significant
chailenges to meeting future water needs.

. Recreation and the environment are key drivers in the
basin and are important for economic health and
quality of life.

. Agriculture is important in the basin, especially in the
lower basin (Grand Valley).

. The success of the Endangered Species program is
critical to help protect current and future water use.

. There is concern over a potential compact shortage
during severe and sustained drought and potential
impacts to in-basin supplies.

. The development of water rights associated with
transbasin projects are a concem and their effect on
in,basin supplies must be considered.

11.2.2.3 Dolores/San Juan/San Miguel Basin

. This multiple basin area of the state is extremely
diverse with changing demographics

- The Pagosa Springs-Bayfield-Durango corridor is
rapidly growing, has areas of localized water
shortages, and is transitioning from
mining/agricultural to tourism, recreation, and a
retirement/second home area.

- The Cortez area remains strongly agricultural but
is also seeing rapid growth with retirees moving to
the area.

- The San Miguel area is a mix of recreation and
tourism along with a strong desire to maintain
agriculture.

. Overall water supply is available but getting sufficient
infrastructure and water distribution will be a key
challenge.

. The Colorado River Compact places pressure on
uses of the San Juan River because New Mexico's
primary source of the upper Colorado River Basin
supplies is the San Juan River.

.

.

.

~9MiI
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C:'VOCUMENTS AND SETTINGSIROWANNCIDESKTOPIS11_11-23-04_DOC