WSP04784

• File Number: 8103
• Description: Arkansas river Basin Legislation
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 9/1/1968
• Author: W W Wheeler and Asso
• Title: Water Legislation Investigations for the Arkansas River Basin in Colorado Volume II Comprehensive Report September 1968
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

,a~1980

Severe shortages are experienced by most canal systems during
drouth years.

2. The use of wells in recent years has materially decreased the
surface flows available to direct flow and storage rights.

3. It is estimated that ground water in the alluvium between
Pueblo and the state line amounts to about 1,600,000 acre-feet.
Of this amount, about 460,000 acre-feet are theoretically useable,
300,000 acre-feet being below John Martin Reservoir and 160,000
acre-feet being above John Martin Reservoir.

4. The opportunity for materially depleting the state I ine flows
by making more water available for irrigation purposes is quite
1 imi ted.

5. The best util ization of the basin's water resources would be

through the integrated or conjunctive use of wells, the storage

of winter flows and excessive diversions, and the delivery of

water in phase with crop requirements.

6. Any management plan for conjunctive use must be basin-wide to

protect vested water rights in accordance with the Appropriation

Doctrine.

7. A basin management district need not include the major tribu-

taries below Pueblo because of the I imited benefits to these areas.

The irrigated acreage in these tributary basins is small and

irrigation has little effect on the water supply along the main

stem of the Arkansas River. However, water originating in the

tributaries would be subject to demands of appropriators on

the Arkansas River.

8. The use and reuse of the water resources has resulted in a deter-
ioration in the water quality below Pueblo.

9. The use of wells in the flood plain could salvage water nOW lost
through non-beneficial consumptive use.

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