PROJ00474

• Contract/PO #: FS0005x
• Contractor Name: Central Colorado Water Conservancy District
• County: El Paso
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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BOX ELDER CREEK
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
BOOTLEG, KLUG, AND IRELAND #5 RESERVOIRS

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INTRODUCTION

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The Central Colorado Water Conservancy District (Central) is currently
evaluating the feasibility of rehabilitation of Bootleg, Klug, and Ireland
#5 Reservoirs. Two of these storage structures were breached in the early
1980s due to dam safety concerns of the State Engineer. The third, Ireland
#5, failed in the early 1980s and has not been repaired. Central is
interested in rehabilitating the structures in order to provide flood
protection in the Box Elder drainage. The owners of the three reservoirs,
the Henrylyn Irrigation District and private landowners, are also very
interested in restoring the three dams to previous storage capacities.

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Central's role in this process was authorized by the Colorado
legislature in 1937 under the Water Conservancy Act. Water conservancy
districts were formed for "the conservation of water for direct and
indirect benefit of the public, industries, municipalities, and irrigation
water users by providing adequate and timely water supplies and by
stabilizing the flow of streams." (See Section 37-45-102 C.R.S.) In
addition, the legislature declared that water conservancy districts will
"directly benefit lands now under irrigation by stabilizing the flow of
water in streams . . . and to promote the comfort, safety, and welfare of
the people of the state of Colorado."

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Central's Subdistrict may also have an interest in rehabilitation of
these reservoirs. The Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central
Colorado Water Conservancy District was formed in 1973 for the purpose of
providing an augmentation program for groundwater irrigators in the area.
The need for augmentation was created by the Colorado legislature in 1969
through the adoption of the "Water Rights Determination and Administration
Act." The 1969 Act integrated groundwater users with the surface water
users in the priority system. The Act was passed based on the recognition
that groundwater wells produce depletions to surface stream flows, limiting
diversions by senior appropriators.

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