BOARD02200

• Board Meeting Date: 3/26/2001
• Description: CWCB Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

.1.'-

Phase I of Southern High Plains Study Completed: McLaughlin Water Engineers has
completed Phase I of the study for the Southern High Plains Groundwater Management District.
It was presented to the District at their annual meeting Jan. 22 and to the Groundwater
Commission on Feb. 16. This part ofthe study researched existing reports and well records to
help delineate geoiogic formations. Monitor well water level information was correlated with the
geology, using ArcView, to determine the saturated thickness of the aquifers. The information
produced shows that aquifers are more hydrologically connected than previously thought,
however, more work should be done to confirm the extent of this connection and to develop
management aiternatives for further consideration.

Phase-II is scheduled to begin in June, pending availabie funding. This phase would investigate
seiected wells to verify the geology and method of well development. Several monitor wells may
also be drilled to further delineate geology and hydraulic connection of the aquifers. Seasonal
fluctuations might also be examined and existing high capacity wells would be pwnp tested to
determine aquifer characteristics and verify well performance information.

MEGA Board Meeting: On Feb. 6 the Minerals Energy and Geology Policy Advisory Board
met in Denver. The focus of the meeting was to review Office of State Planning and Budget
proposais to repiace a portion of the General Funds some DNR agencies receive with Severance
Tax, discuss the use of severance tax by the legislature to provide more funds for the Native
Species Conservation Trust Fund, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program and for other
purposes. The Board also asked specifically to be updated on our local basin planning meetings
that are funded with severance tax revenues. The next MEGA Board meeting are scheduled for
May 14 and June II.

"Water Conservancy" Discussions Continue: CWCB staff continues to attend meetings and
provide input to the Colorado Water Conservancy group (formerly known as the Colorado Water
Trust). This group is interested in developing an organization that would serve as a
clearinghouse for water right donations or leases of water for streamflow protection in Colorado.
The group is currently developing a concept paper that outlines the group's mission and possible
functions.

Water Conservation Plans on Web: Our approved water conservation plans have been posted
on the Internet so they can serve as models for other communities that do not yet have a plan.
Such a plan is a requirement to be eligible for a CWCB or water and Power Administration loan.
Since this group has no legal ability to hold instream flow water rights, I propose we closely
monitor the activities of this group, perhaps by asking a Board member to be become directly
involved.

Education Initiative Update: Efforts to implement the Education Initiative are continuing.
Work has begun on five-year year water education plan that may be brought to the Board by the
Colorado Water Congress Education Committee in November. Tom Cech provided the last
board update on the Initiative in November 2000.

We are using two primary distribution networks (Lel!111ing to be WaterWise and Water's Ways)
for our education materiais (each customized to meet criteria and goals established by the CWC
Education Committee). Our Water Education Coordinator, Nancy Kellogg, is also on board. She
has hired an evaluator, Alisabeth Hohn, to develop pre/post assessment for teachers and students.

8

.

.

.