WSPC04601 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

t. 000212 -!, NW MEXICO PROPOSAL FOR ALLOCATION OF SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN \IATER SUPPLY June 22, 1948 On June l7, 1948 representatives of Colorado and New Mexico discussed a possible formula for the division of the waters of the San Juan River and tributaries. Potential uses of the water supp~ were discussed and maximum potential uses in each state were developed. In the course of the discussions, however, it became apparent that there are several other factors which have a material bearing on water allocations. From New Mexico's standpoint, one of the most critical factors is the physical situation at or near Blanco, New Mexico. Except for some relatively small direct diversion projects, all of New Mexico's potential uses from the San Juan are dependent upon the water supplies available at or above that point on the stream. The Engineering Advisory Committee's progress report of December l, 1947 shows that the average flow at the Blanco gaging station for the 1914-l945 period amounted to l,26o,200 acre feet, and for the low IO-year period, 1931- 194o, averaged 998,500 acre feet. Mr. J. R. Riter'$ memorandum of June l7, 1948 to Colorado and New !lexico indicates the combined Colorado and New Mexico potentials above Blanco to total 591,000 acre feet of consumptive use. Potential consumptive uses in' New Mexico below Blanco are listed as 4l5,400 acre feet, including 289~40o acre feet from . the San Juan proper. In order to fully realize these consumptive uses plus presen~ uses below Blanco on the San Juan River, diversion requirements, of course, have to be a considerably larger quantity. This means that water for the Shiprock Project, Hammond Project and potential uses on the San Juan below Blanco must be converted from consumptive use terms' to terms of diversion requirements.