WSP00672

• File Number: 822.600.10
• Description: Colorado River Annual Operating Plan - Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1993
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Annual Operating Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
J
I
I

ANNUAL OPERATING PLAN FOR

COLORADO RIVER RESERVOIRS

1993

INTRODUCTION

Authority

This 1993 annual operating plan (AOP) was developed in accordance with Section 602 of
Public Law 90-537, and the Criteria for Coordinated Long-Range Operation of Colorado
River Reservoirs. Pursuant to the Colorado River Basin Project Act of September 30, 1968
(Operating Criteria), promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant thereto and
other applicable statutes. In accordance with Public Law 90-537 and the Operating
Criteria, the AOP must be administered consistent with applicable Federal laws, the
Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande Treaty
Between the United States of America and Mexico, signed February 3, 1944 (referred to
as the 1944 Mexican Water Treaty), interstate compacts, court decrees, and other
documents relating to the use of the waters of the Colorado River, which are commonly
known as "The Law of the River."

The Operating Criteria and Section 602 of Public Law 90-537 mandate consultation with
representatives of the Governors of the seven Basin States and the Upper Colorado River
Commission relative to annual plans for operation of the Colorado River reservoirs. The
1993 AOP was prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation in consultation with the seven
Basin States Governors' representatives, the Upper Colorado River Commission,
appropriate Federal agencies, and others interested in Colorado River operations through
the Colorado River Management Work Group.

Purpose

The purposes of the AOP are to determine (1) the projected operation of the Colorado
River reservoirs to satisfy project purposes under varying hydrologic and climatic
conditions; (2) the quantity of water considered necessary as of September 3D, 1993, to
be in storage in the Upper Basin reservoirs as required by Section 602(a) of Public Law
90-537; (3) water available for delivery pursuant to the 1944 Mexican Water Treaty and
Minute No. 242 of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and
Mexico (IBWC); (4) whether the reasonable consumptive use requirements of mainstream
users in the Lower Division States will be met under a "normal," "surplus," or
"shortage" condition as outlined in Article ill of the Operating Criteria; and (5) whether
apportioned, but unused, water by one or more Lower Division States exists and can be