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<br />.' <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />BENEFITS OF STUDY <br /> <br />The output of the study will benefit a wide range of stakeholders in the targeted region. These include: <br /> <br />1. For Farmers - better understanding the risks they bear as shareholders/landowners under dual systems, <br />and the potential economic benefits to them. <br /> <br />2. For Agricultural Water Suppliers - providing information that would improve the confidence these <br />entities have in approaching dual system management. <br /> <br />3, For Municipalities and Rural Domestics - determining whether dual system water service can playa <br />positive role in reducing the rising need for, and cost of, potable water for outdoor use in <br />unincorporated/incorporated areas, by substituting raw water for potable water in landscape irrigation. <br /> <br />4. For Counties - better understanding how dual system water service affects the land market, land use, <br />and land use planning, zoning and ordinances, and their joint bearing on the agricultural industry, <br /> <br />5. For the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District - assessing possible benefits of a new water <br />management tool in meeting the long-term needs of Colorado-Big Thompson project users. <br /> <br />6. For the State - identifying ways to better serve dual system providers when such activities blend well <br />with State policy goals. <br /> <br />HISTORY OF DUAL SYSTEMS <br /> <br />Dual systems, many of which are unpressurized, have been operated on the Colorado West Slope for <br />many years. Both unpressurized and pressurized versions have been successfully utilized in many <br />localities in the Rocky Mountain region, both in unincorporated and incorporated areas, including rather <br />sophisticated pressurized systems along the Wasatch Front Range in Utah and the Boise Valley in Idaho. <br />Recently, and on a limited basis, they have gained favor with subdivision developers along the Colorado <br />Front Range. The proposed study will collect information on these various experiences to improve <br />opportunities for dual systems in Colorado. As part of the assessment of benefits and risks, the study will <br />look at evolving practices in northeastern Colorado and how they might be enhanced for all stakeholders. <br /> <br />POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF DUAL SYSTEMS <br /> <br />Dual systems may result in modest improved revenue sources for nonprofit irrigation companies and <br />districts, which in turn can be reinvested to improve water del ivery efficiencies and management for <br />irrigated agriculture. Dual systems may contribute to the protection of agricultural water supplier assets, <br />by providing utility-type service that can be recognized as such by local jurisdictions. Dual systems may <br />improve opportunities to secure beneficial use of current decrees when water is withdrawn from <br />crop/livestock production due to urban encroachment. Other potential benefits include: <br /> <br />1. For Farmers - Dual systems may help normalize the local market value of water for non-agricultural <br />uses. Local speculative markets for water may have serious repercussions on the long-term availability <br />and cost of agricu Itural water. <br /> <br />2. For Municipalities - Dual systems may minimize the need for annexation to cover the costs of <br />providing potable water supplies for landscaping needs in unincorporated areas within the urban growth <br />boundary . <br />