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7-4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Use of water from the subbasin's major streams is subject to interstate compacts or court decrees. A court decree involving the waters of the Laramie River limits Colorado's aggregate diversions and assures flows into Wyoming. The North Platte River is apportioned by decree among Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The South Platte interstate compact calls for minimum flows at the Colorado-Nebraska State line. Finally, the Upper Niobrara River Compact allocates Niobrara River streamflow and related ground water between wyoming and Nebraska. The subbasin States for the most part adhere to the system of prior appropriation in determining water allocation for beneficial uses. Beneficial uses are specifically defined and generally include domestic, municipal, and agriculture. Colorado further recognizes water use for instream flows for fisheries habitat and recreation, and will issue water rights for such reservations. Management of ground water in Nebraska is limited to the creation of optional water management districts in areas of critical concern. Colorado apportions ground water in a manner similar to surface waters, requiring the granting of a water right by the State regulatory agency. . PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES The major water-related problems in the Platte-Niobrara Subbasin are irrigation water supply, flooding, municipal water supply, and fish and wildlife habitat. Irrigation water problems involve declining ground-water tables, surface water shortages, and limited opportunities for increased development. Ground-water levels are declining in localized areas in the central Platte valley in Nebraska; Alliance, Nebraska area; areas of intense irrigation in the lower Niobrara River basin; and portions of the Ogallala