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<br />3. Construct a series of recharge ponds and an augmentation <br />well: <br /> <br />This alternative would consist of building four recharge <br />ponds and drilling one augmentation well. This recharge <br />system would involve diverting water from the river during <br />the winter months when there is generally not a call on the <br />river. The Lowline Ditch would be used to place water in the <br />ponds for re-timing to the river. The water from the ponds <br />is returned to the river by underground percolation which <br />due to a time delayed effect causes the majority of this <br />water to show up in the river during the summer time. This <br />is the time when the LDC has depletions that need to be <br />offset with augmentation water. The water returned to the <br />river during the winter also has potential value for <br />endangered species issues facing the State of Colorado. The <br />development of recharge ponds also provides habitat for <br />migratory waterfowl. The LDC would also construct a single <br />well used for supplying augmentation water directly to the <br />river. This is a drought management tool currently being <br />used by GASP with approval from the State Engineer to help <br />provide augmentation water during the most severe drought <br />situation. The cost of this alternative is $105,000. <br /> <br />The Selected Project <br /> <br />The LDC plans to construct alternative #3. Features of this <br />alternative are as follows: <br /> <br />Four recharge ponds will be constructed along the Lowline <br />ditch. Ponds will be located on ground that is considered <br />low value and currently not used for growing irrigated <br />crops. <br /> <br />Each pond will have a turnout built into the ditch. Built <br />into each turnout will be a measuring device with a <br />recorder. Proper measurement is a requirement of the <br />Division of Water Resources. <br /> <br />The augmentation well would be drilled away from the river <br />and next to the ditch. The well could be pumped directly <br />into the Lowline ditch or by using an existing drainage way <br />could be pumped into the South Platte River. <br /> <br />The general locations of these features are shown on the map <br />found in Appendix B. <br /> <br />Feasibility Study <br />Lowline Ditch Company <br />Recharge Project <br />December 2002 <br /> <br />7 <br />