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<br />ob~bM <br /> <br />when a compact call will be administered in each basin to recognize a senior right to return <br />flows? <br /> <br />Does an adequate rationale exist for creating different salvage entitlements in various <br />regions of the state? Each basin can be considered unique in terms of hydrology, water <br />development, local economies, and compact obligations. The prior appropriation system, <br />however, has always included the right to take water from any basin for use anywhere else <br />in the state. Can or should a salvaged or saved water entitlement be limited to certain <br />activities, such as "that resulting from federal programs". <br /> <br />VII. Conclusion <br /> <br />Analysis of water salvage reveals that opportunities to "maximize the beneficial use of <br />Colorado's water resources" exist through improving water use efficiency, particularly <br />agricultural use. However, after accounting for the return flow dynamic the quantity of <br />water supply made available through efficiency improvements may not be as large as some <br />would suggest. Implementation of salvage opportunities will result in additional .social, <br />economic, and environmental gains and losses. Difficult policy and resource tradeoffs must <br />be evaluated and balanced before any approach to water salvage or savings is adopted by <br />the General Assembly. <br /> <br />The following points provide a framework for that evaluation. <br /> <br />A. Varying degrees of water conservation may be recognized. <br /> <br />1. Reduction in historical productive, beneficial consumptive use. <br /> <br />2. Reduction in any historical consumptive use. <br /> <br />3. Reduction in historical diversion volumes, where the differential amount would <br /> <br />33 <br />