FLOOD08081

• County: Statewide
• Basin: Statewide
• Title: Groundwater in Colorado: A Primer
• Date: 10/1/2002
• Prepared For: State of Colorado
• Prepared By: Rock Talk
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Educational/Technical/Reference Information

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COLORADO

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DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL
RESOURCES

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DiY"i~ion of 'Mirie~t.15andGetilogy
Colorado Geological Survey
Volume 5, Number 4 October 2002

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Nineteen of Colorado's 63
counties rely solely on ground
water for potable supplies and
domestic uses, Ground-water with-
drawals by private wells and pub-
lic water supply systems serve an
estimated 20 percent of the state's
population. Colorado's agricultural
industry relies heavily upon
ground water, particularly
on the eastern plains and
in the San Luis Valley.
Approximately 90 percent
of ground-water with-
drawals are consumed by
agriculture.
The balance between
supply and demand for
water is a delicate one.
Though a renewable
resource, ground water is
not always available in the
quantity or quality when
and where it is needed.
With creativity, a history
of diligence, and some
planning of its water
resources, Colorado has
supported a large agricul-
tural industry, expanded

storage reservoir sites, has drawn
attention to our ground-water
resources. Ground-water use in
Colorado dates back to before the
turn of the century (photo below).
Ground-water resources currently
supply approximately 18 percent of
our state's needs and its develop-
ment is continuing at a fast pace.

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Introduction

One of the most compelling
issues in Colorado today
is the availability of long-
range water supply.
Between 1990 and 2000, Colorado
grew from 3.3 to 4.3 million per-
sons. This accelerated growth in
conjunction with the
continued popularity of
our state has focused the ,,~
attention of our citizens,
legislators, and water
managers on the water
resources required to
sustain our wildlife,
communities, and busi-
nesses. Demands on
Colorado's water supply
run the gamut from
domestic and agricultur-
al to provisions for recre-
ational and wildlife uses.
Historically, develop-
ment throughout the
semi-arid west has been
dependent upon the
availability of water.
With its ready access
and storage capability,
surface water has and
continues to provide the
bulk of our state's water
supply. Over-appropria-
tion of this resource,
however, combined with
rapid urban growth and
a lack of suitable future

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Artesian wel/ at A/amosa Water works, 13,320 gal/ons
per hour, constructed by J.A. Pfeifer, October 7, 1911
WESTERN HISTORY/GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT, DENVER PUBtlC liBRARY

Colorado Geological Survey ROCKTALKVol. 5, No. A

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