WSP04249

• File Number: 8443
• Description: Narrows Unit
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 5/9/1977
• Title: Analysis of a Ground-Water Recharge System Alternative
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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From a ground-water standpoint, therefore, it appears that recharging

approximately ~7,OOO acre-feet of water to the ground-water system

through limited recharge sites will result in high water tables. It

does not appear, therefore, that the amount of required recharge as

related to available ground-water storage capacity needed to offset the

crop irrigation requirements of the 37,000 acres of land can be imposed

on the ground-water system without at first lowering the water table by

pumping. This would have an adverse effect on the base flows of the

South Platte River and interfere with downstream users.

A brief study of possible recharge sites indicates that possibly two

sections of land (l,2BO acres), whether natural or developed sites,

.could readily be utilized as recharge sites. This acreage represents

a little more than 10 percent of the required 12,000 acres. Not all

of these sites lie in the.proximity of existing canals, therefore, new

supply ditches would have to be constructed. Furthermore, the existing

ditches would be used for carrying irrigation water and could not serve

the dual purpose of conveying recharge water except in the nonirrigation

season.

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Divertible flows would be low during this time of year. Other difficulties

appear to be associated with the diversion of the needed flows for recharge

purposes. The problem of collecting late fall and winter flows (November

through March) centers around ice formation and applying the water to

frozen lands. Therefore, only the flows available during the months of

April through October were considered.

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