WSP00026

• File Number: 8276.200
• Description: Paradox Valley Unit - Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 11/18/1982
• Title: Agenda Item 12/ December 2/ 1982/ Board Meeting--Salinity Control Project Water Rights Issues
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Board Memo

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Memorandum

To: Commissioner

From: Regional Director

Subject: Water Rights on Paradox Valley Unit, Colorado River Basin,
Sa1 inity Control Project

Arrangements have been developed which we feel will resolve the pending
issue of water rights on the Paradox Valley Unit. The plan was developed
at a recent meeting with the Colorado State Engineer and the Director of
the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The plan includes the following:

1. We will immediately begin preparation of an application for a permanent
water right permit for the 19 wells presently being pumped under a conditional
water right. Included with the application for that permanent water right
permit will be a plan of augmentation during low flow periods which would
utilize releases from McPhee Reservoir under the presently anticipated
minimum stream flow commitments. The minimum stream flow releases which
we are already committed to make from McPhee Reservoir will be utilized as
the augmentation required for the Paradox Valley Unit.

2. An application for a conditional water right permit would be initiated
for the five additional wells presently under construction.

3. When the final determination is made on which wells will be utilized for
the production field at Paradox, a request for change of point of diversion
would be initiated for those wells that are under the conditional water right
permit and would be utilized under permanent project operating conditions.
The maximum quantity of usage would still remain at 5 cubic feet per second..

4. A tabulation would be prepared which would include lands, downstream
from the Paradox Valley Unit which were previously irrigated but a portion
of which have now been terminated as a result of the brine flow conditions
in the Dolores River. We would show a beneficial use developed as a result
~f removing the salt from the river system and thereby creating better quality
water that can be used for the application to irrigab1e lands which would be
a benefit within the State of Colorado.

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