C150117 Feasibility Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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Feasibility Study Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District Acquisition of Water Rights Introduction Water conservancy districts were authorized by the Colorado Legislature under the Water Conservancy Act of 1937 . Water conservancy districts are formed for "the conservation of water use for the direct and indirect benefits of the public, industries, municipalities, and irrigation water users by providing adequate and timely water supplies and stabilizing the flow of streams." (See Section 37-45-102 C.R.S.) To carry out these responsibilities, the Legislature provided conservancy districts (and subdistricts) with the power to acquire and sell water rights, construct and operate facilities, exercise eminent domain, levy taxes, and contract with the federal government (See Sections 37-45-118 and 37-45-134 C.R.S.) Districts and subdistricts are formed by public petition. After creation, the District Court appoints a board of directors of not more than 15 directors from counties within the new district or subdistrict. Currently, there are 46 water conservancy districts located in Colorado. Only two subdistricts exist in the state - the Municipal Subdistrict ofthe Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, and Central's Groundwater Management Subdistrict. Formation of the Subdistrict The Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District (the Subdistrict) was formed on April 23, 1973, to provide an augmentation program for well owners in the area. The need for augmentation was created by the Colorado Legislature through the adoption of the Water Rights Determination and Administration Act of 1969. The 1969 Act integrated groundwater users with the surface water users in the priority system. The act was passed based on the recognition that pumping of junior alluvial groundwater wells caused a depletion on surface flows that could be detrimental to prior, or senior, surface water rights, Depletions caused by the pumping of alluvial (or tributary) wells must be replaced with alternative sources of water (called augmentation water) at the proper location and time to offset injury to senior water rights. This is accomplished through the creation of augmentation plans. The Subdistrict obligation is to determine the amount of augmentation water needed for member wells, propose a method of replacement, and acquire/develop such water supplies to make replacement to senior water rights. Description of the Subdistrict The Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District