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. 0 . 0 . .... w 00 ~ w tJ1 0'; ~ !i; " \! ~ z ;;l ~ . oj J .( '" ij; '" ::i o o III i ..J . Bureau of Reclamation Revised July 1984 CIMARRON AND CANADIAN RIVER BASINS 84, Western Energy Expansion Study (Inactive) (See Arkansas River Basin Above Keystone Dam) 88, Llano Estacado Playa Lake Water Resources Study (Inactive) STATUS: Previous appraisal-level import water supply studies were done by the Bureau in 1973 ("West Texas-Eastern New Mexico Water Supply Import Project"). The basic conclusions reached at the time were that water importation was not economically justified and that perhaps additional or supplemental supplies could be obtained through better utilization of existing sources. The initial thrust of the study will be to quantify water availability in the playa lakes. The study determined that a large-scale Federal water project incorporating playa lakes was not viable, and further study was not warranted. A project report was released for public use. DESCRIPTION: The study area encompasses the High Plains of eastern New Mexico and northwest Texas and those High Plains of Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma lying south of the Arkansas River. Most of the study area is in Texas and New Mexico and overlies the Ogallala aquifer. Numerous natural surface depressions are scattered throughout the study area. These depressions, also referred to as "Playa Lakes," act as catch basins when precipitation occurs, but most of the water collected is lost to evaporation. Declining ground water in the Ogallala formation and the increasing cost of fuel for pumping are causing area residents to consider other water supply options. During this special investigation, the Bureau will evaluate the quantity and reliability of playa lake water supplies. If the reliability of this supply can be established, the feasibility of development can be analyzed. 42