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<br />I <br /> <br />10 <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />It is obvious that Lower Rock Creek is overdecreed and all water could be <br />diverted by owners of senior decrees; however, some of the.e rights may <br />not have been used for so long a time thll t abandonement might be proved. <br />In any event, the recent trend toward administration of water in a manner <br />to preclude abnormal waste and assure optimum benefit will tend to assure <br />success of the project. This observation is made in view of the Isrge exposed <br />areas of water surface west of the Rio Grande between the Conejos River and <br />Alamosa. This water results from the lack of adequate channelization and <br />drainage of the area tributary to the Conejos River, La Jars Creek, Alamosa <br />River and Rock Creek. All four of the sources of water have much the same <br />conditions which contribute to the loss of water by evapotranspiration. <br />Also, all four channelization projects will realize only a portion of their <br />potential until such time as the Rio Grande itself is channelized and deepened, <br />unless pumping is included as part of the respective channelization projects. <br />This is not recommended at the present time, but might be an acceptable alter- <br />native rather than a locally sponsored and abbreviated Closed Basin Drain Project. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />The District should obtain, if possible, contracts for what drain and waste <br />water is available. In any case workable agreements with owners of senior <br />water rights would be a prerequisite to further expenditure on this project. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Operation and maintenance of this project and the Norton Drain would justify <br />and require a full time employee and likely a part time assistant, and this <br />should be a consideration in the decision of the Board of Directors. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />In conclusion, if an acceptable agreement can be reached with adjacent lond <br />owners and owners of valid water rights and if satisfactory financial arrange- <br />ments can b~ made, I recommend this project for further consideration by the <br />Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br />~~ <br /> <br />Registered F.ngineer <br />Colorado Certificate #557 <br /> <br />0'515 <br />