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001587 PROJECT TITLE: Water-Management Study of the Northern High Plains of Colorado (fig. 14) COOPERATING AGENCY: Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources, Office of the State Engineer, and the Central Yuma, Frenchman, Marks Butte, and Sand Hi lis Ground Hater Management Districts PROJECT CHIEF: Ronald G. Borman, Subdistrict Office, Lakewood PERIOD OF PROJECT: Continuous since July 1968 ProbZem.--State and local water-management agencies are managing the ground- water supply in the Northern High Plains where increased pumpage for irrigation is depleting the supply. The agencies need a basis for predicting and then evaluat- ing the effects of proposed changes in ground-water use. Objeatives.--Document defining the hydrologic term water-level trends. the depletion of the ground-water supply. characteristics of the Ogallala aquifer. Collect data Monitor long- Approaah.--Locate and obtain hydrologic data from all wells that pump more than 100 gallons per minute. Using these wells, develop a monitoring network that will reflect water-level changes in the entire area. Collect and compile data to determine aquifer properties, recharge, return flow, consumptive use, and water qual ity. Progress.--Data have been collected from about 3,800 wells. Data from about 1,000 wells have been coded for entry into the computer, and about 200 computer records were updated. About 110 well-discharge measurements have been made on 65 wells. A monitoring network of about 650 wells has been established and water levels are being measured yearly prior to the start of the irrigation season. Areas of water-level declines have been identified and are being monitored. The hydrologic characteristics of the Ogallala aquifer have been defined for much of the study area. Computer models have been developed, cal ibrated, and tested for five areas within the Northern High Plains. Water-table maps have been prepared to show predevelopment conditions in the Northern High Plains of Colorado in 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, and 1980. Simi lar water-table maps have been started for the Southern High Plains. Maps were begun showing the distribution of hydraul ic con- ductivity and specific yield. PZans.--Complete all water-table maps and maps of aquifer properties. map of the base of the aquifer in the northern High Plains of Colorado. well inventory and continue entering data into the computer system. Begin ration of map reports. Rev i se Finish prepa- 37