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The aspects of the San Miguel Water Supply Study which are relatively unique in water resources planning and which will be emphasized are: 1) The evolution of the study from traditional, structurally oriented alternatives to a non-structural, operations and water use efficiency orientation. 2) The exhaustive nature of the reconnaissance investigation. 3) The extensive public information program and participation by interested parties in the study area in building a consensus. 4) The cooperative nature of the feasibility and implementation phase involving State, Federal, and private sector components. 5) The detailed on-farm information developed. STUDY AREA The study area is located in San Miguel and Montrose Counties of southwestern Colorado near the confluence of the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers. The sources of water suppiy for the area are the tributaries on the south side of the San Miguel River generally between Placerville and Naturita. Location and vicinity maps of the study area are presented in Figure 1. Irrigation water for the study area is supplied primarily by the three major ditch companies participating in the study. The Farmers' Water Development Company and The Lone Cone Ditch & Reservoir Company provide water to the Norwood-Redvale area to the north and east of Naturita Creek. The Uiyiands Canal and Reservoir Company provides water to the East Ulylands and Dry Creek Basin areas to the south and west of Naturita Creek. Miramonte Reservoir shown on Figure 1 is a recreational facility and provides no irrigation water. Most of the study area depends on irrigation for successful crop production because rainfall during the growing season is infrequent and irregular. Precipitation in the area averages approximately nine inches or less during the growing season. Because streamflows consist 2