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<br />e <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />the dynamics of ground water recharge in the San Luis Valley and <br />convey this information to water users and managers to facilitate <br />maximize water utilization and conservation. <br /> <br />Since elimination of the Rio Grande Compact debt, over <br />delivery to the Compact has occurred in several years. This over <br />delivery could have been reduced and the water stored in the <br />aquifers of the San Luis Valley if winter ground water recharge <br />could have been accomplished. Any Compact over delivery becomes <br />apparent usually during November and December which is near the end <br />of the accounting year for the Compact. During wet years and in <br />the late fall or winter, the aquifers could be filled and then the <br />ground water withdrawn with wells during dry years. Ground water <br />recharge has been difficult during November and December due to ice <br />forming in diversion structures and canal laterals. Additionally, <br />changes in irrigation practices from flood irrigation to signifi- <br />cant numbers of center-pivot sprinkler systems that require less <br />volume of water has made it difficult for irrigators to use large <br />wet year flows that can occur in the spring. An additional <br />objective of this project is to construct a significant recharge <br />structure specifically designed to overcome much of the icing <br />problems and provide additional capacity to use large diversions <br />from the river during flood conditions. If such recharge and under <br />ground storage could be efficiently accomplished, significant <br />additional water could be made available to water users in the San <br />Luis Valley. <br /> <br />All structures, wells, measuring devices and etc. constructed <br />as part of this project will continue to be used by water right <br />owners and managers after completion of this project. <br /> <br />GENERAL PLAN OF STUDY <br /> <br />I. Construct and utilize existing ground water recharge facili- <br />ties to demonstrate benefits and increase recharge. <br /> <br />A. Construct a major recharge pit northeast of Del Norte <br />such that winter ground water recharge can be effectively <br />accomplished. <br />B. Obtain cooperation of owners of existing recharge <br />facilities located in the Closed Basin north of the Rio <br />Grande. <br />C. Construct a recharge pit northwest of the Monte Vista <br />National Wildlife Refuge. The objective of this recharge <br />pit will be to attempt to recharge the confined aquifer. <br /> <br />II. Monitor results of ground water recharge at sites. <br /> <br />A. <br /> <br />Uti! ize <br />monitor <br />sites. <br /> <br />existing nearby wells or construct <br />changes in ground water levels near <br /> <br />wells to <br />recharge <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />2 <br />