WSP03283

• File Number: 8407
• Description: Platte River Basin - River Basin General Publications
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 1/1/1978
• Author: Hydro-Triad Ltd
• Title: Water Resources Investigation in the South Platte River Valley - Reach Number 3
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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which could be used to' supply additional irrigation water to those ditches
most seriously affected by droughts. \
6. Several alternatives were presented for optimizi.ng interpreted
surface and ground water use within the study area during drought conditions.t

The fol19wing conclusions, not necessarily in order of importance, were

reached in this study:
1. The present operational methods as administered by the water.
commissioners provide a relatively good and equitable management of the
river diversi9ns being based upon many years of practical experience. The
only improvements would be through a more sophisticated gaging and telemeter~
control systeT and the implementation of increased well pumping and/or the
installation af new wells to supplement ditch diversions.
2. The South Platte River.in "Reach 3", Denver to the Kersey gagin!i
station, is managed and/or operated in two segments; the reach from Denver
to the confluQnce of the South Platte River with St. Vrain Creek and the
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reach from St; Vrain to the Kersey gaging station. The two reaches are
managed essentially independent of each other because of the difference in
surface water ;available in the South Platte in each reach and the water right
priority rela(ionship which exists. It has been determined in this study
that the effects of drought on the ditch diversions is more severe in the
upper reach th~n in the lower reach.
3. There has been a significant impact on the flow of the South
Platte River due to transmountain diversions into the basin.. The transmountaiin

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