PROJ00106

• Contract/PO #: C153494
• Contractor Name: Loveland, City of
• Water District: 0
• County: Larimer
• Bill Number: XB 99-999
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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No cost estimates were developed for water conservation. However,

implementation of a leakage reduction program would have associated capital

costs, and emergency measures employed during droughts could result in

economic impacts to the community.

4.2 NE\l \lATER RIGHT

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The availability of additional, unappropriated water supplies on the Big
Thompson River were examined. Diversions by a junior (1987 priority date)
water right were simulated to determine the amount of "free" water
available in the system. This right would allow the City to divert
unappropriated flows in the river, primarily during the spring runoff
season. The maximum supply available from such a right was 2,100 AFY of
additional direct flow waters in the 1,000-year simulation. During drought
conditions only the more senior rights in the basin may divert, thus
adjudication of a new direct-flow right would result in only a small (50 AF
or less) deficit reduction under the Design Conditions.

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A summary of average water utilized from each source with the acquisition

of a new direct-flow water right is presented in Table 4-2. A new water

right would provide the City with an average increase of 215 AFY of direct

diversion water. \lhile not affecting the availability of its other

supplies, the use of new "free" water would result in a decrease in the use

of those supplies (e.g., more direct diversion water results in less need

for Transfer Decree water). The acquisition of a new right would result in

an estimated increase of 110 AFY in spills due to less use of Transfer

Decree water.

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The cost of acquiring a new water right was assumed to be approximately
$25,000 for engineering and legal expenses.

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