WSP03823

• File Number: 8135.300
• Description: Ditch Companies - Catlin
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 1/29/1976
• Author: D Helton R McCabe
• Title: Catlin Transfer Plan and John Martin Permanent Pool Operation
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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0661

INTRODUCTION

For nearly 20 years, the state of Colorado has been trying
to create a permanent recreation pool in John Martin Reser-
voir. It has proven to be a very difficult task that has
involved a series of major obstacles, several of which have
been overcome.

First, it was necessary to obtain congressional authorization
that would allow the permanent pool to invade the reservoir's
flood control space. This was obtained in 1965 after several
years of effort.

Second, the State obtained the permanent pool water supply
with the purchase of 11.24 percent of the outstanding capital
stock in the Catlin Canal Company during the spring of 1972.
On September 13, 1973, the State applied in the District Court
for water Division 2 to change the water rights corresponding
to these state-owned shares to allow the water to be used for
this purpose. Most of the irrigation companies in water Dis-
trict 17 and some irrigation companies in water District 67
filed statements of opposition; the application has been pend-
ing since that time.

Finally, the Arkansas River Compact Administration, the Chief
of Engineers - U.S. Army, the Colorado State Engineer, and the
Colorado water Conservation Board must approve the permanent
pool operation plan.

The purpose of this report is to present the facts surrounding
the permanent pool proposal. The report deals with the required
change of water rights and the details of the proposed per-
manent pool operation. It is intended to present the whole
picture for those who may be interested as well as engineering
and technical details to those who are directly involved.

The plan for changing the state-owned portion of the Catlin
water rights or the "transfer plan" leaves the state water in
the Catlin Canal. The State would construct two headgates on
the canal -- one at Timpas Creek and one at Crooked Arroyo.
When the Catlin would be diverting water under both priorities,
the State would obtain its water at Timpas Creek. When the
Catlin would be diverting water under its first priority, the
State would obtain its water at Crooked Arroyo. The Catlin