WSP03715

• File Number: 8449.919
• Description: South Platte Projects
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 7/1/1968
• Author: Wright Water Eng.
• Title: Preliminary Report - Study of Integrated Water Use, South Platte River Basin, Water District No. 8
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

WRIGHT WATER ENGINEERS
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
1240 WEaT BAYAUO AYI!:NUE
DENVER, COLORADO. eOZZ3

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June 28, 1968

PHONE
7"4_.l!J*C:~x
2326

Mr. James O. Geissinger
Special Assistant, Coordinator
of Natural Resources
Equitable Building
Oenver, Colorado 80202

Re: Integrated Water Use Study

Dear Mr. Geissinger:

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The attached report describes the operation of the main stem of the
South Platte River withIn Water DistrIct Number 8. It Includes data on water
requirements and supply, the relationship between irrigation and municipal use,
and the need for improved operations in the future, and is submitted pursuant
to the terms of our Contract with the Coordinator of Natural Resources.

Investigations conducted in connection with the preparation of this
report have shown that the use of water from the South Platte River within Water
District Number 8 is predomInantly for municipal purposes with irrigation use
diminishing as land surrounding the Metropol itan Denver area is converted from
agriculture to urban use. Surface water suppl ies from the South Platte are
essentially fully appropriated, and water from the west slope is imported by the
cities of Denver and Aurora. Groundwater in storage in the alluvial aquifer is
I imited, and groundwater does not provide a dependable source of supply for muni-
cipal use. The potential for conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water
is limited. Potential benefits to Oistrict Number 8 From conjunctive use down-
stream are significant.

In the report, our conclusions relative to improved water util ization
in Water District Number 8 and other areas of the South Platte River Basin are
presented, along with recommendations for further study and a glossary of terms
appl icable to the formulation of legislation leading to the conjunctive use of
the ground and surface waters of the State.

Very truly yours,

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WRIGHT WATER ENGINEERS

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Leonard Rice

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Kenneth

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