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~ r r f o 00 If:) C\l o o . , RECOMMENDATIONS , . . The first recommendation of the Phase I studies is that the Phase'II investigation as originally envisioned, involving drilling and testing of deep wells. should not be initiated at this time. This recommendation is based on the conclusion that it is not economically feasible at this time to develop water from the confined-aquifer below 1000 feet in depth. The second recommendation is that consideration should be given to a plan using the confined and unconfined aquifers as a managed ground water storage reservoir. Such a plan would likely involve using the existing large canal systems and an extensive set of recharge basins to enhance the existing recharge of Rio Grande water into the unconfined aquifer, The Closed Basin Project, currently under construction by the Bureau of Reclamation, the eXisting Rio Grande Drain, and other existing or potential drainage systems could be u.sed as part of the overall reservoir-concept system. Such a ground-water reservoir concept could afford Valley water users considerable flexibility in meeting Compact demands, irrigation needs and municipal demands during dry years. . The third recommendation is that a cooperative effort among all of the major water-use entities in the Valley should be initiated to properly manage the conjunctive use of the surface water and the ground water resources of the San Luis Valley, using concepts such as suggested in the above recommendation. A first step toward such a cooperative effort could be the formation of a technical steering committee for Valley water development. Such a committee should be composed of individuals who are expert in various aspects of the Val- ley's water development potential and needs. The Phase I studies conducted for the Authority, under the sponsorship of the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District, should be considered as a springboard for discussion of cooperative ground water development alternatives which could be.considered by the steering committee. Several other potential and on-going investigations in the Valley would provide valuab1'e'data to' the conjunctive management of the water resources in the Valley. INFORMATION For more information on the study, please contact: Mr. Skip Kerr or Project Manager Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority 1580 Logan Street, Suite 620 Denver, Colorado 80203 (303) 830-1550 Mr. Floyd Getz Manager San Luis Valley WCD P.O. Box 43 Monte Vista, CO 81144 (303) 852-2315