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<br />OGG:, <br /> <br />GROUND-WATER RECHARGE <br /> <br />As a result of the 1977 Presidential review of the Narrows Unit, <br />the question of whether or not a ground-water recharge system <br />within the Narrows Unit service area could serve as a viable <br />alternative to the proposed Narrows Reservoir was raised. The <br />following narrative summarizes the findings of an analysis of the <br />ground-water recharge potential. <br /> <br />In the case of the Narrows Reservoir, supplemental irrigation water <br />would be provided from the reservoir storage to the farms through the <br />existing gravity distribution system. The 9round-water recharge system <br />would require additional diversion works on the South Platte River, new <br />conveyance and recharge pond facilities, and a number of wells with <br />energy consuming pumps. The annual energy required is estimated to <br />be 5,700,000 kilowatt-hours (equivalent to 3,350 barrel s of oil <br />annually) . <br /> <br />It was assumed that such a recharge system could be implemented <br />pursuant to the wa ter 1 aws of the State of Colorado and the terms of <br />the South Platte River Compact. Water rights decrees for the new <br />diversions would be required with the potential for a lesser priority. <br />The water right decree for the Narrows Reservoir storage has a priority <br />date of August 2, 1957. <br /> <br />Identification of the entity or entities which would have the responsibility <br />to plan, construct, pay for, and operate a recharge system was not <br />determined. The Narrows Unit was authorized for construction by the <br />Congress and President in 1970. Repayment contracts were signed with <br />the Central Colorado and Lower South Platte Water Conservancy Districts <br />in 1976. <br /> <br />The ground-water recharge system would be a single purpose irrigation <br />project. The Narrows Unit, as authorized, would result in irrigation <br />supplies, flood control, fish and wildlife conservation and development, <br />public outdoor recreation, and potential future municipal and industrial <br />suppl ies. <br /> <br />Concept of Artificial Recharge <br /> <br />Definition <br /> <br />Artificial recharge of ground water can be defined as any artificial <br />means that increases the amount of water entering a ground-water <br /> <br />37 <br />