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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10, It was agreed by the Steering Committee to accept the conclusions
with respect to the Eagle River of paragraph 6 of the Knights-Jex report to
the Steering Committee,

11, In conformity with paragraph 7 of the report, Region IV agreed to
the conducting of investigations and preparation of preliminary reports on
Williams, Blue, and Eagle River Projects as early as possible, consistent
with approved programs for conducting investigations in the Upper Colorado
River Basin with use of C.R.D. or other funds which may be made available,

12, In conformity with paragraph 7 of the report, Region VII agreed to
compile studies indicating the relative economics of sections of the collec-
tion systems of the Blue-So~th Platte Project, for the purpose of determining
which of the. sections should be started first, These studies will be started
as soon as the interim report is completed and funds become available for the
purpose of making the study,

13. Mr. Knights reported that consideration had been given to.the prob-
lem of the Climax mill tailings described in paragraph 23 of the minutes of
the August meeting, but that he is not yet prepared to report additional
progress on the study of this problem.

R8Placement Storage Requirements

14, Mr. Knights stated that he and Mr. Riter had discussed the problems
regarding review of replacement storage requirements in Ruedi reservoir
(paragraphs 24, 28, and 38 of August minutes) bu~ that he is not prepared to
submit a modified study, at the present meeting,

15, Mr. Powell suggested that before the Ruedi site is finally selected
consideration should be given to the possibility of utilizing the diversion
from the Gunnison to the Colorado River, being studied by Mr. Jex near.
Whitewater Flats. Mr. Batson explained that Region VII is studying some.
alternate reservoir sites to the Ruedi. Those now being considered are the
Wolcott Site (inland site on Alkali Creek to be supplied from Eagle River); on
Piney River; and on the Colorado River near the mouth of Sheephorn Creek.

16. Mr, Merriell discussed the general subject of replacement storage.
His discussion covered the following points:

(a) It is extremely doubtful if the Grand Valley interests
would accept with favor the plan to replace their Colorado River
rights with water diverted from the Gunnison near Whitewater Flats.
The Grand Valley interests have the first rights on the Colorado
River and there is a natural reluctance for those interests to
accept what in their minds is a less dependable source of water
in exchange for a Colorado River "bottom right."

(b) The Williams River Reservoir was built by the City of
Denver and not by the Denver Water Board. The. original purpose
of the Williams River Reservoir was to replace water diverted

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