Laserfiche WebLink
<br />RESEARCH DOCUMENTS THE FEASIBILITY OF NEW <br />SYSTEMS OF INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT <br /> <br />The major conclusions of a $200,000 study of the <br />South Platte authorized by the Legislature. * <br /> <br />FINDINGS: <br />. The average annual supply is adequate to meet present requirements. However, be- <br />cause of wide fluctuations in runoff, the distribution of water availability is far from <br />satisfactory. <br /> <br />. The ground water reservoir along the main stem of the South Platte contains ap- <br />proximately 10 million acre feet. Only a small part of this capacity is utilized and <br />this only in a haphazard, unplanned way. <br /> <br />. Ground water and trans-mountain importations have been major factors in stabilizing <br />water supplies. However, pumping of ground water has infringed upon prior surface <br />rights. Studies indicate that this infringement is not as severe as many felt it to be. <br /> <br />. Water supplies are not being administered and utilized as efficiently and effectively <br />as they could be. Deficiencies exist in the completeness and accuracy of water use <br />records. <br /> <br />CONCLUSIONS: <br /> <br />. Planned utilization of 10 to 15 percent of the available ground water storage capacity <br />is reasonably attainable. Use of ground water storage capacity can provide more ef- <br />ficient utilization of the total resources of the basin, reduce shortages and minimize <br />conflicts between water users. This planned utilization in conjunction with surface water <br />supplies would basically involve a heavier draft on the ground water supplies during <br />low runoff years with provision for replenishment of those supplies during years of <br />surplus runoff. <br /> <br />. To achieve more optimum distribution of water supplies and accomplish desired goals, <br />certain water rights should be served from ground water sources during low runoff <br />periods. Such operations would allow more surface water to be diverted in the upper <br />regions, making greater use of return flows possible. <br /> <br />· Since the ground water in storage adjacent to the main stem of the South Platte is cur- <br />rently being used to support the flowing stream and many users are dependent upon, <br />and have rights in, the return flow which joins the river via the ground water system, <br />provisions must be made to protect these rights and supply them with alternate <br />sources of water in insure continued utilization of the ground water supply. The cost <br />of providing such facilities should be borne by those who benefit. <br /> <br />* Engineering and Water Code Studies for the South Platte River - Under authorization of <br />Senate Bill 407, 46th General Assembly of Colorado. <br /> <br />Page 12 <br />