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..........'r ~ , I I tLiiliiLL...a. . ..." - ~ L~~ ." '"~~'~-"~' -.~ ~... ~. ---- ,n be added annually to the groundwater if the limited rainfall-i~efficiently. ab- sorbed into the 5011 over the aquifer. At the present ti~e, aquifer water storage depletion 1s being permitted in such a manner that 40 per cent of the volume of water will be used up in 25 years. Obviously, the economic life of the community supported by this water supply will be limited unless ways of acceler- ating groundwater recharge are found. The Center has carried on a number of studies toward that objective over the past several years (B-013-COLO), (B-008- COLD), and B-OIS-COLO). -..., I 'c n ,rk 'cd Irrigated lands lying along eastern slope river channels represent the most intensive crop production land and support a heavy proportion of the agricultural economy of the State. Antiquated irrigation water distribution systems, many of which date to the 1980's, need major repair, rehabilitation, or replacement. In many cases, two or more systems serve contiguous areas. Consolidation of such systems are in many cases prerequisite to reasonable efficiency in water dis- tribution. A major research effort is being expended upon this problem (B-043- COLO) , (B-051-COLO), and (B-029-COLO). Runoff management is becoming particularly crucial in urban and suburban areas and on small watersheds intensively used for recreation. Experiments in a full- scale outdoor laboratory, where rainfall can be simulated and runoff responses can be thoroughly observed, are leading to improved predictive methods for flood flows from such areas (B-030-COLO), B-054-COLO), and (A-009-COLO). A long range plan for the distribution and management of Colorado's water supply is in the initial stages of development. Such a plan, urgently needed, will re- sult from joint efforts of the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. As a foundation for that plan, economic analysis of the role of water in Colorado's economy (an economic input-output model) will be developed 1n an OWRK matching grant project with matching funds to be supplied by the Water Conservation Board (B-059-COLO). Other social, economic and political considerations related to planning for water development are being identified and described by research sponsored through the OWRR program (8-042- COLO) and (B-029-COLO). " Water laws developed very early in Colorado as a result of competing demand among irrigation and mining users. Those laws and the principles upon which they were based, formed a model generally followed in most of the western States. However, with the passage of time and changing demands on the water management and administration systems, changes in the water laws must be faced. Legislative study and action is currently focused upon this problem with several innovative changes in mode of water administration already enacted during the past year. The research program has attempted to keep pace by review and critique of new legislation including its economic and institutional "impact. Through these studies, early adjustment and refinement of this legislation and its implemen- tation can be brought about (A-OI3-COLO), (B-042-COLO), and A-OIO-COLO). Water pollution problems remain in certain aspects of beet sugar manufacture, livestock feedlot operation~ and food processing. Return flows from irrigation which carry dissolved salts constitute a long range problem for which solutions are not yet available but which ultimately must be faced. Increasingly, recre- ational pressure in the high mountain areas, both winter and summer, are leading to heavier water pollution stresses due to waste from residential homes and cabins, lodges, ski resorts, dude ranches, and similar facilities. Sewage treat- ment plants operating at high elevations under extreme cold temperatures do not behave in accord with design criteria customarily used. Modification to"design standards are needed. This entire range of pollution and water quality problems is being studied under the research program sponsored by OWRR in the Natural Resources Center. Projects carrying on pertinent studies include B-022-COLO, B-023-COLO, B-042-COLO, and A-007-COLO. 131 ~~~~ ~14-14! 0 _ 11 _ 10 "l.~ r~.."....~"",,'"'Il:_._", .~.... " ~.~... ~ ~ ~'''- . ~ ... ~-