WSP03696

• File Number: 8281
• Description: Williams and Eagle River
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 10/15/1947
• Title: Reconnaissance Study of Williams River and Eagle River Basins
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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From field observations with an altimeter as elevation euide and
by the use of maps it appears possible to serve the above 18,000 acres
from the Williams River,

4. Whether it is economically or physically feasible to .irrigate
all of the classified area from the Williams River cannot be determined.
from such a superficia~ study as we have been able to make. A determina~
tion of feasibility will require at least a reconnaissance field survey
of canal location, the preparation of rough preliminary cost estimates
and an economic study of possible benefits and returns. It is felt that
such an investigation'should be conducted before a definite allocation
of the Williams River waters is made.

5, Based on the assumption that .the 18,000 acres can be irrigated
from the Williams River a rough.estimate of the water requirements was
made. With an assumed diversion demand of three acre-feet per acre and
with reasonable allowance for consumptive use and use oJ return flows
the net demand on the Williams River would total 45,500 acre-feet annually,

6. A reconnaissance study similar to that of the Williams River was
also made of the Eagle River Basin. The study indicated that of a total
of 4,570 acres of new arable land as was classified in 1935 only 1,310 acres
could be irrigated by diversion from the main Eagle River. The other lands
classified are located too high above the Eagle River to be irrigated at
reasonable cost. In addition to the new arable land it is believed that
2,820 acres of land now having a partial water supply can be provided with
supplemental water from the main Eagle River as a part of a development
to irrigate the 1,310 acres of new arable land described above. Blue-
South Platte studies indicate that sufficient water will be available
for this development after project depletions.

7. From findings of study in the two stream basins it is evident
that a tentative allowance of the waters of the Williams River is
necessary before the interim report of the Blue-South Platte .Investigation
can be completed. It is further recommended that Region 4 arrange for
reports on the Williams River, the Blue River, and the Eagle River Project.
The report should be in such detail as to outline the ultimate development
considered practical in each basin and should give cost estimate of facilities
needed and the water requirement for each development, It is also recornmanded
that Region 7 compile studies indicating the relative economics of diver-
sion from each major stream basin and the tributaries intercepted within
the basins. Such information along with that to be compiled by Region 4,
it is believed, will be needed by parties passing on the desirability of
the project, in whole or in part, and its effects in Western Colorado.

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