PROJ00495

• Contract/PO #: C153678
• Contractor Name: Lower Arkansas Water Management Association
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 67
• County: Prowers
• Bill Number: SB 96-124
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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There were several options in the choice of particular water rights to include in the
augmentation program. The sources downstream from John Martin Dam included the ones
evaluated in this report and several interests to the Lamar Canal and Irrigation Company. The
sources upstream from John Martin Dam included transmountain water, return flow from
transmountain water, the Highland Canal. and the Las Animas Consolidated Canal. The
sources selected for inclusion are judged to be best for solving LAWMA's problem for the
reasons indicated. In this regard. the deliberations of the Acquisition Subcommittee of the
Arkansas River Coordinating Committee were helpful. This subcommittee not only helped to
identify particular water sources, but also provided some data and information as to cost and
market value.

EXISTING REPLACEMENT SOURCES

LAWMA has or has acquired interests in several water sources that will help solve its
augmentation problem. These interests are discussed in this report section. Where
appropriate. the estimates of consumptive use discussed in this report section and in the next
report section are based on the Colorado Water Budget. specifically including the canal,
lateral, and farm efficiencies.

Kansas Transit Loss Account

The 1 980 Operating Plan for John Martin Reservoir created a transit loss account to
assist in delivering Kansas account water to the Stateline. Water for the account is obtained
from the 35 percent storage charge applied against "Other Water" stored in the "Article III"
Accounts. As necessary. this water is released to supply the transit losses that occur in the
delivery of Kansas's Article II water to the Stateline.

LAWMA has calculated a reduction in well depletions resulting from part of these
releases in its augmentation program as against Colorado surface rights. Most of the transit
loss is what is referred to as "bank storage", i.e., water that leaks from the river channel into
the alluvium. Since this leakage is to a large extent induced by well pumping, the releases
from the Kansas transit loss are de facto replacements for well depletion. LAWMA believes
it is appropriate to recognize this de facto reduction in well depletions in determining the

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