WSPC02008

• File Number: 8530.300
• Description: Rio Grande Basin-Water User Groups and Conservancy Districts-Rio Grande Water Conservation District
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 7/1/1970
• Title: WCD-Rio Grande Water Conservation District-Corres Reports etc-1967-82-Summary Report of the Norton Drain Project for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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4. Results:

It is too early to assign specifically an amount or value to the water
salvaged. Before completion of either branch of the drain and before
the atart of irrigation the drain was conveying 9.2 c.f.s., which
certainly was made up in large part from bank storage. Since completion
of the drain and start of the irrigation season, measurements have
increased to in excess of )3 c.f.s.

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At this time no stub laterals have been constructedl however, much
interest is indicsted by land owners in the area. Soil Conservation
Service personnel indicate that the Norton Drain reasonably should be
expected to drain a large part of the area which it can serve. This
would assure a substantial increase in both salvaged water and restoration
of presently water logged land to cultivation. As these have been the
ultimate goals it appears the project can be termsd a success in this
respect. Inquiries have been recaived by the Directors concerning the
extension of the West Branch. If this work is done an additional area
will be benefited and an additional source of water tapped.

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It appears that the original estimate of the amount of water to be
salvaged was conservative; however, it will take some time to determine
the overall benefits. The State is now installing a gaging 8tation
furnished by the District and will keep a record of the quantity of
water conveyed in the drain. A180, the State has agreed to take periodic
water quality samples. After one year of such measurements and a study
of the water quality, a better basis will be obtained on which to relate
future projects in the same category.

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5. Observations and Recommendations

While the Norton Project has attained the objectivea for which it was
planned it is apparent that better planning and design could eliminate
some of the problems that developed during and after construction. To
make a record of the problems that could have been svoided with better
design and witb added experience, the deficiencies and suggested
corrections are given below to aid in future projects.

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1. Unstable soil conditions and inadequate compaction has caused some
of the water crossing pipes to wash out. This situation was an
aggravation and would have been a more ssrious maintenance problem
if the contractor had not done much of the repair work at his own
expense. The situation could have been largely avoided if the water
crossing pipes were smooth wall for rigidity through the concrete
supports with corrugated metal pipe extensions at least 15 feet
into the banks. In addition, larger anti seepage collars with large

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