WSP00436

• File Number: 8220.114.A
• Description: Dolores Participating Project
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 3/1/1977
• Title: Dolores Project-Colorado - March 1977
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

the Secretary of the Interior, the Commissioner of Reclamation, the

Regional Director, and members of his staff met with the tribal

council and promised to see that the tribe's best interests would

be considered in planning the Dolores and Animas-La Plata Projects.

At that time approximately 15,000 acres of Indian irrigation develop-

ment was being planned b~ the two projects. Following this meeting

(July 20, 1965), tribal resolution Number 1468 reaffirmed the

desires of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe for irrigation development.

At the time of authorization in 1968, the Dolores Project plan

included 1,500 acres of full service land on the reservation.

During the reformulation activies beginning in 1972, additional

land resources were identified, investigated, and found feasible to

be included in an expanded level of service. Irrigation lands have

been increased to 7,500 acres in the Dolores Project and to 20,000

acres in both the Dolores and Animas-La Plata Projects,

Water supplies for domestic purposes have also been a serious

problem on the reservation. Because of extensive unsuitable

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geologic formations in the area, development of groundwater supplies

and springs has not been successful. Most drinking water must be

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hauled from Cortez, Colorado, a distance of 12-15 miles, in order

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to have water suitable for human consumption, This lack of a

suitable domestic water supply has seriously discouraged the growth

of the tribal headquarters at Towaoc, Colorado. Tribal leaders

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recognized their need for a suitable domestic system in the late

stages of authorization of the Dolores Project and requested that

delivery of domestic water also be considered prior to construction

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