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CU0158 . IMPACT OF IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY CHANGES ON WATER AVAILABILITY IN THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN INTRODUCTION As the competition for limited water supplies increases, interest in achieving higher efficiency of water use is a natural result. Thus it is natural that efficiency of irrigation water use is becoming specifically of interest in Colorado, because irrigated agriculture is the largest user of water in a rapidly growing, water-short, state. The Colorado Department of Agriculture Commission recognized the need to obtain more information about potential water saving in irrigated agriculture by passing the following motion at its regular meeting held May 20, 1977: . To seek available information regarding the efficiency of the present delivery system for irrigated agriculture, to determine those system improvements, technological advancements and changes in irrigating practices which could be applicable to the present system, to evaluate the water consumption efficiencies to be gained, and to recommend actions, federal programs, legislative initia- tives, and education programs deemed appropriate as a result of this investigation. The motion led to a study funded by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation pursuant to the Emergency Drought Act of 1977. The Bureau of Reclamation made the funds available to the State Drought Coordinator, Office of the Governor, who in turn contracted with the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) to conduct the study, Purpose and Objectives As stated in the agreement between the Colorado WRRI and the State Drought Coordinator, the purpose of the study is to: . . provide the State with information on hydrologic and economic impacts of applying efficiency criteria to the irrigation conveyance, distribution and application system of the South Platte River Basin. -1-