FLOOD04607

• County: Gunnison
• Community: Upper Gunnison
• Basin: Gunnison
• Title: Final Report Appendices Upper Gunnison-Uncompahgre Basin Phase I Feasibility Study
• Date: 5/1/1989
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Project

B.2.4 Agricultural Water Suppliers

B . 2 .4. 1 Genera 1

Agriculture has historically been the largest user of water within
the study area. Extensive systems for the control and delivery of water
for agricultural purposes have long been in existence in the study area.
Development of irrigation systems in the Gunnison and Uncompahgre River
Basins was well underway by the late 1800's. That development consisted
of diversion dams, unlined canals and small reservoirs. The USBR became
involved in developing Gunnison River water immediately upon its
inception in 1902. The projects which were originally developed by the
USBR in the area have since been turned over to local water supply
entities for operation and maintenance. Project beneficiaries are in the
process of repaying the USBR for construction costs. When repayment is
complete, these entities may be able to obtain ownership of the projects.

The major agricultural water suppliers located in the study area are
as follows: the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, the Bostwick
Park Water Conservancy District and the Upper Gunnison River Water
Conservancy District. Each of these entities is individually discussed
below.

In addition, there are many private ditches located in the study
area. These ditches have been grouped by water district and stream for
the purposes of presentation in this memorandum and are discussed below
as consolidated groups.

B.2.4.2 Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA)

The UVWUA is a non-profit corporation which was formed in 1903 for
the general purpose of supplying irrigation water in the Uncompahgre
Valley. The impetus for its formation was to serve as the local entity
to participate in the USBR's Uncompahgre Project. It functions in a

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